A museum mission
for everyone
The National Carriage Museum operates with a motivated team dedicated to welcoming a wide variety of visitors, guided by the principle of providing public service to citizens.
In accordance with the principles established by the Framework Law on Portuguese Museums, we continue our mission to preserve, research, and promote this unique cultural legacy.
Museu Nacional dos Coches
Founded in 1905 by Queen Amélia, the National Coach Museum houses the world’s most important collection of ceremonial carriages. Each carriage is a masterpiece of woodcarving, painting, and upholstery, reflecting the power and elegance of European courts.
Since 2015, this treasure has been housed in a white concrete and glass structure designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Paulo Mendes da Rocha—a sublime dialogue between monarchical tradition and the boldness of Lisbon’s modernity.
Learn more“Quinta de Baixo”
In 1726, King João V purchased the “Quinta de Baixo” estate from João da Silveira Telo e Meneses, 3rd Count of Aveiras. Situated beside the River Tagus, in the pleasant district of Belém, in the western part of Lisbon, the estate included a group of noble residences, Belém Palace and a riding school.
Demolition of the original riding school
In 1786, the original riding school was ordered to be demolished and replaced by the present building. The project was commissioned by Prince João—the future King João VI, son of Queen Maria I and King Pedro III—who was a great enthusiast of equestrian art.
Royal Riding School
Construction of the Royal Riding School began in 1787. Although the building’s structure was completed one year later, the exterior and interior decoration continued until around 1828. The neoclassical design, attributed to the Italian architect Giacomo Azzolini, features an impressive hall measuring 50 metres long by 17 metres wide. The two-storey space has galleries at either end of the upper floor, connected by two narrow colonnaded passageways, designed to allow the Royal Family and the Court to watch equestrian displays.
Decoration
Between 1792 and 1799, several artists—including the painters Francisco de Setúbal, Francisco José de Oliveira, Joaquim José Lopes, known as “o Bugre”, and the French artist Nicolau Delerive—participated in the interior decoration. The decorative motifs on the ceiling and wall panels of the hall highlight elements associated with equestrian art. The ceiling of the riding school features three large oval medallions depicting allegorical scenes.
Heritage awareness
The presentation of royal carriages in Paris strengthened the intention to bring together and preserve this heritage.
Adaptation of the space
In 1904, when the riding school was adapted into a museum, building works were carried out under the supervision of Rosendo Carvalheira, architect of the Royal Palaces. The paintings were restored by the artists José Malhoa and António Conceição e Silva.
Opening
The Royal Coach Museum was officially opened on 23 May, on the initiative of Queen Amélie of Orléans and Braganza.
First extension
Its initial success led the Queen to commission a new project to display additional carriages.
The Republic
The establishment of the Portuguese Republic brought new vehicles from the former Royal Household, as well as property formerly belonging to the Church, into the collection.
National Museum
The museum adopted the name National Coach Museum.
Illustrated catalogue
Luciano Freire published a descriptive catalogue documenting the collection and its museographic display.
New hall
A side hall designed by Raul Lino was opened, allowing more carriages to be displayed.
New side hall
Later, in 1940, a new building campaign led by the architect Raul Lino expanded the exhibition area through the construction of a new side hall.
Acquisition of the Army General Workshops in Belém
The former Army General Workshops in Belém were acquired by the Secretary of State for Culture specifically for the construction of a new building for the National Coach Museum.
Renovation works
Between 1999 and 2001, the building’s roofs were restored and the ceiling of the Side Hall was renovated, giving the building its present appearance.
New building
Council of Ministers Resolution No. 78/2008 designated the construction of the new National Coach Museum as a flagship project for the regeneration of the Belém–Ajuda area and secured funding for its construction. Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha, winner of the 2006 Pritzker Prize, was invited to design the project in partnership with Portuguese architect Ricardo Bak Gordon.
Start of construction
The foundation stone of the new building was laid on 1 February.
New building
The contemporary building on Avenida da Índia, designed by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, opened to the public.
One museum, two locations
The museum brings together the new building and the Royal Riding School, preserving a collection that is unique in the world and transports us through time.
Conservation, Restoration
and Modernisation
Caring for Collections 2026. An integrated program for the preventive conservation and restoration of key pieces in the collection. Technical interventions using state-of-the-art methodologies and systematic documentation.
Moving Carriages 2025. A project to relocate eight National Treasures and over 170 objects from the former Royal Riding School collection to the National Coach Museum, as part of the PRR-funded conservation and refurbishment of the historic building