National Coach Museum

The National Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches) in Lisbon holds one of the most outstanding collections of historic carriages in the world.

It is one of the most visited museums in Portugal. It is located next to the Tagus river, in the Lisbon neighborhood of Belém, which is the neighborhood that concentrates the greatest number of the main monuments to visit in Lisbon.

Until a few years ago, the museum was housed in a building that formerly belonged to a riding school built by Italian architect Giacomo Azzolini in 1726. In 1905, it was transformed into a museum by Queen D. Amelia, wife of King D. Carlos, under the name: Museum of Royal Carriages.

Today, the main exhibition is housed in a building specially constructed in front of the original one, due to the need for more space for the collection. However, the original building, known as the "Picadeiro Real," still preserves some pieces and can also be visited as part of the circuit.

Considered one of the most remarkable collections of its kind in the world, it allows visitors to understand not only the technical evolution of animal-drawn transport but also to admire the decorative and ornamental arts of the vehicles.

Among the vehicles on display are coaches, carriages, chaises, pleasure vehicles, litters, sedan chairs, and baby carriages, forming an interesting ensemble that allows visitors to understand the technical and artistic evolution of the means of transport used by European courts up until the advent of the automobile.

The collection's standout piece is a rare travel vehicle belonging to Philip II (Philip III of Spain), built in Spain between the 16th and 17th centuries, and one of the oldest known carriages in existence.

Just a few steps away are other notable museums in Lisbon: MAAT, Museum of the Navy and the  Belém Cultural Centre (CCB) with the Berardo Collection Museum in Lisbon.

Also, just a short walk away, are some of the must-see sights in Lisbon: the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

A recommended visit if you're coming to Lisbon with children.

Price

Carriage Museum €8 / Picadeiro Real €4 / Combined ticket €10 Free with the Lisboa Card

Address

Avenida da Índia nº 136

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00 / Closed: Mondays, January 1, May 1, Easter Sunday, and December 25

How to get there?

Buses 28, 714, 727, 729, 751 / Tram 15 / Train from Cais do Sodré, stop Belém