Museum of Carris

The Carris Museum in Lisbon is an institution that fascinates for its ability to tell the history of public transport in the Portuguese capital through a journey through time. Inaugurated in 1999, this museum is managed by Companhia Carris de Ferro de Lisboa, known simply as Carris, which is the company responsible for public transport in the city. The museum is housed in one of the old storage stations, which gives an authentic and historically relevant setting to the exhibitions. The history of Carris began in 1872, when it was founded to manage a system of horse-drawn trams, an event that marked a huge progress in urban mobility in Lisbon. The first horse-drawn trams, with their elegant and sturdy carriages, traversed the cobbled streets of the city, providing an essential service for the inhabitants. At the Carris Museum, visitors can admire one of these early trams, representing a time when public transport was still a novelty and a luxury for many. The transition to electric trams marked a new era for public transport in Lisbon. In 1901, Carris introduced the first electric tram, significantly improving the efficiency and speed of the service. This change not only optimized transport, but also helped reduce pollution and noise caused by horses. The museum houses a collection of historic electric trams, including the famous tram 28, still in operation today and an iconic symbol of the city. Tram 28, with its scenic route through the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon, offers a unique and fascinating experience for residents and tourists. The museum not only displays historic trams; it also includes a wide range of buses that have served the city throughout the 20th century. From the first diesel motor vehicles to the modern and comfortable buses of today, the collection of the Carris Museum illustrates the evolution of design and technology in public transport. These vehicles tell stories of innovation and progress, highlighting how road transport has responded to the growing needs of a continuously expanding city. The exhibitions at the Carris Museum are enriched by interactive and multimedia displays that provide historical and social context. Videos, photographs, and archival documents offer an in-depth view of daily life in Lisbon and the crucial role of public transport. These exhibitions not only educate, but engage visitors of all ages, making history accessible and interesting. In particular, interactive displays are appreciated by younger visitors, who can learn through play and exploration. One of the most fascinating sections of the museum is dedicated to funiculars and elevators, particularly characteristic means of transport in Lisbon due to its hilly topography. Among these, the Bica funicular, inaugurated in 1892, is one of the most iconic means of transport in the city. This funicular connects the São Paulo neighborhood with Bairro Alto, overcoming a height difference of about 200 meters. The replica of the funicular’s departure station, present in the museum, allows visitors to understand how this ingenious transport system worked and to appreciate its historical and cultural importance. An interesting anecdote concerns the Bica funicular, one of the most characteristic means of transport in Lisbon. Inaugurated in 1892, this funicular connects the São Paulo neighborhood with Bairro Alto, overcoming a height difference of about 200 meters. The Carris Museum houses a replica of the funicular’s departure station.