Museu Nacional dos Coches

About the museum

The Museu Nacional dos Coches was founded in 1905 by Queen D. Amélia. Its collection brings together gala and driving carriages from the 16th to the 19th century, mostly from the Portuguese Royal Household, to which were added vehicles from Church property and private collections. It makes it possible to understand the technical and artistic development of animal-drawn transport used by the European courts until the appearance of the automobile.

The new building, opened in 2015, was designed by the Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, Pritzker Prize winner in 2006, in partnership with the Portuguese architect Ricardo Bak Gordon. It responds to the need to increase exhibition space and create better conditions for visitors to one of the most visited museums in the country. It consists of a main pavilion with a suspended nave and an annex, linked by an overhead walkway, which together form a free-access interior square.

70 vehicles are on display, the oldest from the 16th century and the most recent a 19th-century mail coach. Among them stands out the Coche dos Oceanos (Coach of the Oceans), one of the “national treasures”, which in 1716 was part of the embassy sent by D. João V to Pope Clement XI. The museum also has pieces used in gala processions, objects connected with equestrian art and a collection of portraits of the Portuguese royal family. The Picadeiro Real (Royal Riding Hall) is closed to the public for refurbishment works.

Highlights

• About 70 vehicles from the 16th to 19th centuries
• Coche dos Oceanos, a “national treasure” from 1716
• 19th-century mail coach
• Pieces linked to ceremonial processions and equestrian art
• Collection of portraits of the Portuguese royal family
• Building by Paulo Mendes da Rocha with a free-access interior square

Permanent exhibition

• Coleção permanente de coches e viaturas – Seventy gala and driving carriages from the 16th to 19th centuries, including the Coche dos Oceanos, alongside pieces linked to ceremonial processions and equestrian art.

Founded

1905

Operated by

Museus e Monumentos de Portugal

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Portuguese citizens and residents of Portugal have free admission on any day of the year, under the “Voucher 52” initiative.

Free admission also for, among others, unemployed people resident in the European Union, museum and heritage professionals on duty, teachers and students on documented, prior study visits, former combatants, accredited tourism and media professionals, and members of ICOM, ICOMOS and APOM. Free admission requires proof at the ticket office.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

All exhibition, reception and service spaces are accessible, with ramps, lifts to all public areas and adapted toilets. The museum lends six wheelchairs at the reception desk, and the car park has four spaces for visitors with special needs. The auditorium has reserved wheelchair spaces. There are programmes for people with visual, hearing and intellectual disabilities. Assistance dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Children up to age 12 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Coordinates provided by the museum: 38.696602, -9.199680.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a shop, a library (being reorganised) and an auditorium.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 300 guests.

Venue hire for private, corporate and cultural events; the auditorium holds up to 300 people.

Plan your visit