The collection includes the original locomotive used for the filming of the famous 1956 French short film 'Le Ballon rouge'.
The museum holds the legendary 'Bugatti' Autorail, designed by Ettore Bugatti using repurposed aircraft engines.
It displays a 'Presidential' carriage once used by French heads of state, including Napoleon III.
The site features a rare collection of steam locomotives, including the 'Pacific 231', which was once the fastest engine in France.
The museum maintains a 19th-century railway depot building as part of its permanent display structure.
The collection includes the 'Centenaire', a locomotive displayed at the 1900 Universal Exhibition in Paris.
Cité du Train is the largest railway museum in Europe, located in Mulhouse, France. It houses a collection of over 100 locomotives and carriages spanning from the 19th century to the present day. The museum is organized into six distinct themed universes that trace the evolution of railway technology and social history. Displays include a recreation of an 1850s station and technical exhibits focusing on high-speed rail development. Visitors can walk through several historic carriages, including presidential trains and luxury dining cars. Interactive elements include rail simulators and track-side equipment demonstrations. The museum is situated on the historic industrial site of Modenheim. It integrates original station platforms and period-accurate signage to provide an immersive atmosphere. The collection is managed by the French National Railway Museum foundation.
The elevated viewing bridge in the 'Le Siècle d'Or' hall provides a comprehensive panoramic view of the locomotives.
Bring a light sweater, as the large industrial exhibition halls can remain cool even in summer.
Allocate time to watch the 'Panorama Ferroviaire', an outdoor area that hosts live demonstrations of rolling stock.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the site covers over 15,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Trying to see every plaque in detail; focus on the main exhibition themes to avoid fatigue.
Open daily throughout the year, but may have limited operations on December 25th and January 1st.
