Carris Museum

Carris Museum (Museu da Carris) in Lisbon is a museum and cultural centre presenting the past, present and future of the city's public transport. It stands in the Alcântara district in the west of Lisbon and tells the story of Carris, the operator founded in 1872 that still runs services across the city.

What is the Carris Museum?

It is a museum devoted to public transport, opened on 12 January 1999. Besides its permanent exhibitions, the venue hosts cultural events, so it works as a meeting place for locals and visitors as well as a display of vehicles.

Where is it and what is its history?

The museum occupies the former company headquarters. In 1874 Carris acquired the Palácio dos Condes da Ponte, the residence of the Counts of Ponte, and the site has been tied to the company ever since. It lies in Alcântara, at roughly 38.702 N, 9.181 W, near the Tagus.

What does the collection include?

The collection holds photographs, uniforms, tickets, official equipment, trams and buses, and many documents and objects of historical interest. Lisbon's streets have seen several tram types, among them the open-sided Americanos and the wooden-bodied Eléctricos. Exhibits include vehicles once pulled by horses, the first electric trams and double-decker buses that have vanished from the city's streets. The first double-decker bus entered service in June 1947; today such buses run only for tourism.

The museum spreads over three buildings linked by a vintage tram, one of the highlights of the visit.

Is there material for researchers?

Yes. The Documentation Centre makes documents, books and plans about the company and the history of public transport available to visitors and researchers.

Who is it for?

It suits anyone interested in transport and technical history, families with children who love vehicles, and travellers who want to understand how Lisbon has changed since the late nineteenth century. Trams are among the city's best-known symbols, and here you can see where they came from and how they evolved.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Carris Museum? In the Alcântara district of Lisbon, Portugal.

When did it open? On 12 January 1999. The Carris company itself dates from 1872.

What is the main highlight? The vintage tram connecting the museum's three buildings, together with trams and buses from different eras.

Does the museum host events? Yes, cultural events are held alongside the permanent exhibitions.