Museum of Transport and Communication

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The building served as the main Porto Customs House (Alfândega) from 1869 until 1987.

2. 2

   The structure was designed by the French engineer Jean-François Thomé de Gamond.

3. 3

   The museum houses the 'Motor Road' collection, which features vehicles once used by Portuguese royalty and heads of state.

4. 4

   Architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, a Pritzker Prize winner, led the renovation that transformed the customs house into a museum space.

5. 5

   The building sits on land reclaimed from the Douro River during the 19th century.

Overview

The Museum of Transport and Communication is housed within the historic Alfândega Nova building, a former 19th-century customs house on the banks of the Douro River. The museum features a significant collection of vintage automobiles, including early 20th-century motorcars and horse-drawn carriages. Beyond automotive history, the exhibits cover the evolution of telecommunications and the maritime significance of the Porto customs house. The building itself is an example of neoclassical industrial architecture, renovated by architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. It serves as a multipurpose venue, hosting temporary cultural exhibitions alongside its permanent collection.

Insider tips

• Check the museum website for current temporary exhibitions, as these often occupy the main hall.

• Combine your visit with a walk along the riverside pedestrian path directly outside the building.

• The interior space is very large and echoes; consider bringing layers as the cavernous hall can be cooler than the exterior.