A trip by coach to the XVI century
This museum contains 70 vehicles, dating back to the XVI to XIX century
The National Coach Museum brings together a unique collection of ceremonial vehicles and rides comprehended between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, mostly from the Royal Portuguese Household to which were added vehicles of churches and other individuals. In the new building, about 70 vehicles are on display to the public, the oldest of which dates back to the sixteenth century and the most recent to the nineteenth century.
The collection
Here, the vehicles on display allow visitors to understand the technical and artistic evolution of animal-powered transport means used by the European courts until the advent of the automobile. In addition to vehicles, the museum also has a collection of parts that were used in the maintenance of the cars and in gala processions, as well as a few others related to the cavalry. There's also a collection of portraits of the Royal Family.
Some of the coaches on display at the museum. Source: National Coach Museum website
The new Coach Museum
The new Coach Museum is located in Belém. This was a much-needed change of venue due to the museum's increasing collection as well as to the need of creating a space devoted to the maintenance and repairment of the vehicles. The most visited museum in the country now has two exhibition rooms, both for the permanent and the temporary collections. Adding to these rooms, a library, an archive, an auditorium, and a shop were also created.
The new National Coach Museum in Belém
Where and when
Address: Afonso de Albuquerque Square 1300-004 Lisboa
Phone: (+351) 21 073 2319
Time: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 6 pm. Last entrance 5:15 pm (Coach Museum) and 5:30 pm (Royal Riding Arena). Closed on Monday, January 1st, May 1st, Easter Sunday, 24th and 25th December.
More info here.