The Caramulo Museum was created in the late 1950s from the passion of 2 brothers, Abel and João de Lacerda, for art (Abel) and automobiles (João). Their father Jerónimo de Lacerda was a doctor who had founded a sanatorium, the largest on the Iberian Peninsula. The two brothers wanted to perpetuate the place their father had created by turning it into a major tourist attraction about 1 hour from Porto. The museum buildings were built specifically to house the works of art and up to a hundred vintage cars.
Cars
Nearly 80 cars are on display at the Caramulo Museum. Apart from a replica of the very first Benz motor tricycle reproduced from the original plans for the brand’s centenary, the oldest vehicles are tricycles with De Dion motor and a Peugeot Type 19 dating from the 19th century. We then walk through the adventure of the automotive pioneers, with brands such as Benz, Darracq, De Dion Bouton, Fiat, Ford, Packard, Panhard et Levassor, Renault, Unic… We also discover a very rare and little-known car, an Abadal 25 HP, built in 1914 on a Hispano-Suiza mechanical base. Based in Barcelona, Abadal was aiming for wider production, but despite the car’s good performance, the adventure was brought to a halt by World War 1.
The 1920s-1930s are mainly represented by several luxury and sports cars: BMW 327 and 328, Bugatti 35, 2 Bugatti 57s including an Atalante, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce, and even a Fiat from 1929, when the Italian brand was aiming for the top end of the automotive market.
For the post-war period, the selection is more eclectic, with popular cars (Fiat 500, Fiat 600 Multipla, VW Beetle and Kombi T2), road-going sedans (Alfa Romeo 75, Austin A135, Citroën Traction 6 cylinders and DS), and more luxurious models like the Mercedes 300 “Adenauer” or the Cadillac Fleetwood.
In the same period, the Caramulo Museum also offers a fine collection of sports cars: popular ones like the Triumph TR3, Simca 1000 Rallye 2, Renault 5 GT Turbo, Porsche 356, the more prestigious Ferrari 400i, Maserati Merak, but also some automotive icons like the Jaguar E-Type convertible, Lamborghini Miura, Mercedes 300 SL “Gullwing”, Porsche 911 Turbo or the very rare Pegaso Z 102, and even the supercar Jaguar XJ 220.
There are also 2 Lancia, a 037 and a Delta Integrale HF, reminiscent of the Italian brand’s heyday. Many of the cars on display have lived their lives in Portugal and are linked to people who played a part in the country’s automotive development.
Besides cars
Alongside the “real” cars, the Caramulo Museum exhibits a very large collection of miniatures, from various origins, including cars, planes, boats, trains and utility vehicles.
Between the 2 dimensions, a few curiosities like the Citroennette, a 1/3-scale pedal version of the famous Citroën HP, or the more sophisticated Bugatti Baby, a ½ copy of the Type 35 with a small electric motor.
Around twenty motorcycles are part of the collection, from the 1910s (FN, NSU) to the 1990s (Honda NR 750, Yamaha GTS 1000), including BSAs, Harley Davidsons, Indians, Nortons, Rudges and Triumphs, as well as Solexes!
Caramulo Experience Center
The Caramulo Experience Center is an associated space for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Over 2,400 square meters of space house a classic car restoration and maintenance workshop, the Museum’s collection reserves, an exhibition area, a documentation center and a classic car product store. Visits to the Caramulo Experience Center are independent of those to the Museum.
Arts Museum
Caramulo combines automobiles and artwork, as we said in our introduction. Here, too, the offer is varied, with ceramics, furniture, paintings, sculptures, tapestries and textiles, as well as Oriental and Japanese art. The rich collections range from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.
Works by many Portuguese artists can be admired, as well as Picasso, Dufy and Chagall.
Events and entertainment
Every year, the Caramulo Museum organizes a number of events focusing on classic cars and motorcycles, with the aim of showing the vehicles in action. In September, for example, the Caramulo Motorfestival (in the spirit of Goodwood) takes place.
Practical information
Opening
| Tuesday to Friday | 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm |
| Open daily from July 1st to September 15th | 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm |
| Closed Mondays, December 24th and 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday morning |
Rates
| Adults | 9,50 € |
| Seniors (above 65) | 8,00 € |
| Youth (6-15 years old) | 5,50 € |
| Children (under 6 years old) | Free |
| Families (parents and 3 children) | 39,00 € |
| Guided tour supplement (up to 30 people) | 35,00 € |
| Combined Museum and Experience Center ticket | |
| Adults | 14,00 € |
| Youth (6-15 years old) | 8,50 € |
The photos on this page belong to the Caramulo Museum, no use or reproduction is allowed without written permission from the owner.
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