The Museu do Carro Eléctrico (MCE), operated by the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (STCP), was inaugurated on 18 May 1992 and is housed in the former Massarelos Thermoelectric Power Station, a notable industrial building from the early 20th century designed by Luís Couto dos Santos, located along the banks of the Douro River in Massarelos.
The museum is dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of heritage associated with urban rail-based public transport, particularly the tram system, in Porto, documenting its evolution from the late 19th century to the 1950s. Its collection, predominantly sourced from STCP and its predecessor entities, comprises a significant group of historic tramcars, as well as a range of artefacts of technical, documentary, and symbolic importance, including equipment, uniforms, transport tickets, and iconographic records.
Housed within two rehabilitated industrial halls, the museum integrates the display of its collection with the preservation of original elements of the power station, providing an immersive museological experience. Through an approach that emphasises the concept of a “living collection,” the MCE fosters a dynamic connection between heritage and the city.
The Museu do Carro Eléctrico (MCE) establishes itself as a space of memory, knowledge, and experience, whose mission is to preserve, research, and interpret the heritage of Porto’s urban rail-based public transport system, particularly the tram network, promoting its understanding within the broader context of urban, social, and economic development.
Housed in a historic building, the museum offers an experience that extends beyond the purely exhibition-based dimension, incorporating sensory and educational components. Through its exhibitions and educational programmes, it invites visitors to explore the evolution of tram transport and the transformations of the city, as well as contemporary challenges related to mobility and sustainability.
The MCE provides a range of specialised services that enable deeper study of and engagement with its collections. Its activities are guided by principles of accessibility, inclusion, and cultural democratisation, fostering the participation of diverse audiences.
Address
Alameda Basílio Teles, 514150-127
Porto
Porto
