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The Liege Public Transport Museum – a fascinating journey into the past

The Liège Museum of Public Transport is a unique place where the history of urban mobility comes to life. Here you can see rare exhibits, including vintage trams, buses and even carriages that were used in the city several centuries ago. For visitors of all ages, there are fascinating interactive areas that make the journey through the past especially exciting. The museum attracts history and technology lovers, offering an unforgettable experience to every visitor.

History of the creation of the museum

The idea of creating the Museum of Public Transport in Liege was born in the mid-20th century, when the city was actively developing its transport infrastructure. A group of enthusiasts and historians came up with the initiative to preserve unique exhibits and documents related to the development of trams, buses and trolleybuses in the region. In the 1950s, work began on collecting materials that later formed the basis of the museum collection.

First steps towards the creation of the Museum of Public Transport

Key dates in the history of the museum in Belgium:

  • 1954: An initiative group from Liège begins collecting old trams, bus tickets and photographs to preserve history.
  • 1962. Official opening of the museum in the building of the former depot. The first collection includes three historical trams.
  • 1971. Expansion of the exhibition thanks to the donation of a collection of vintage transport from the municipality of Liège.
  • 1985. The first thematic exhibition dedicated to the history of electric transport.
  • 1998. Opening of a new hall dedicated to buses and their evolution in the 20th century.
  • 2020. Museum renovation using multimedia technologies for interactive introduction to the history of transport.

Today, the Liège Museum of Public Transport is a place where you can dive into the past and learn how transport influenced the development of the city. The exhibition includes dozens of unique exhibits, and the modern approach to design makes the visit interesting for all ages. Regular exhibitions and events attract history buffs from all over Europe. The museum continues to develop, preserving the spirit of the past and introducing innovations.

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Interesting fact:

The first exhibit of the museum was a tram from 1880, which was used on the Liege-Serein route.

Exhibition overview

The Liège Museum of Public Transport features a unique collection that spans more than a century of urban transport development. Here you can find vintage trams, buses and even rare prototypes that tell the story of technical progress. Each exhibit has its own story related to the development of the city and the convenience of its residents. Visitors will be able to get acquainted with the evolution of public transport through carefully restored models and interactive exhibits of the museum.

And a historic tram in the Liege Museum

List of main exhibits:

  1. Electric tram model 1932
    • Year of issue: 1932
    • History: Used on central Liege routes until 1965. Transferred to the museum after decommissioning.
  2. Diesel bus 1957
    • Year of issue: 1957
    • History: Was part of the first generation of diesel buses in the city. Served until the 1980s.
  3. Electric bus prototype from 1990
    • Year of release: 1990
    • History: Developed as part of an experimental program for the transition to environmentally friendly transport.
  4. Horse tram 1880
    • Year of issue: 1880
    • History: One of the first forms of public transport in Liège, preserved in excellent condition.

Visitors to the museum are encouraged to pay attention to the rare horse-drawn tram, which has been preserved in its original form. The electric tram from 1932 will also be of interest to history buffs. Interactive exhibits, such as bus driving simulators, will especially appeal to children and young people. The visit can be concluded in the area with a multimedia presentation, which tells about the future of public transport.

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Interesting fact:

The museum offers a virtual tour, allowing you to examine the exhibits in detail even after your visit.

Educational and cultural programs

The Museum of Public Transport in Liege is not limited to exhibitions of vintage transport. It regularly organizes educational programs, interactive events and themed events for visitors of all ages. This place is a great choice for those who want to learn more about the history of transport in an entertaining and accessible way.

Cultural and educational activities at the Museum of Liege

List of programs:

  1. Excursions for schoolchildren:
    • Program: Teaching the history of transport through interactive games
    • Price: 5 euros per person
    • Time: daily from 10:00 to 15:00
    • Contacts: phone +32 4 361 94 41, website museumliege.be
  1. Thematic promotions:
    • Program: “Public Transport Day” dedicated to important dates in the history of transport
    • Cost: free admission as part of the promotion
    • Dates: March 1 and September 15
  1. Master classes for children and adults:
    • Program: restoration of miniature models of buses and trams
    • Price: 10 euros per person
    • Time: Every Saturday from 14:00 to 16:00
  1. Cultural evenings:
    • Program: lectures on the development of transport and film screenings on this topic
    • Price: 8 euros per adult, 4 euros for students
    • Time: Friday from 18:00 to 21:00
  1. Interactive quests:
    • Program: Search for the “lost route” with the participation of the whole family
    • Price: 12 euros per team
    • Time: by appointment

Visitors to the museum should pay attention to the interactive quests and cultural evenings that bring together true enthusiasts of the history of transport. Children will enjoy master classes where they can show their creative abilities. Plan your visit in advance to have time to attend as many events as possible.

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Advice:

Quests are most popular on weekends, so it is worth booking a place in advance.

How to get there

The Museum of Public Transport is located in the historical part of Liege, which makes it easily accessible for tourists. It is located near the main transport arteries of the city, as well as near cozy streets where it is pleasant to walk. The exact location of the museum is conveniently viewed on the city map to choose the most suitable route.

How to get to the Museum of Public Transport in Liege

How to get to the museum:

  1. By bus:
    • Take routes 1, 4 or 25. Stop at “Rue Léopold”. Buses run every 15 minutes.
    • Transport company website: TEC . Ticket price: about 2.5 euros.
  1. By tram:
    • Take tram line T1. Stop at “Léopold Station”.
    • Intervals: 10–12 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the stop.
  1. By trolleybus:
    • Line 15 will take you to the museum. The final stop is “Musée des Transports”.
    • Ticket price: 2 euros.
  1. By metro:
    • There is no metro in Liege, so use other means of transport.
  1. By car:
    • Enter the address in your navigator: Rue Richard Heintz, 4020 Liège. There is parking near the museum (3 euros/hour).
  1. On foot:
    • It’s a 20-minute walk from Liege Central Station. Just follow the signs to the historic centre.

After visiting the museum, you can explore the nearby attractions of Liege. Nearby is the famous Church of Saint-Barthélemy and the embankment of the Meuse River, which is ideal for strolling. Also within walking distance you will find many cozy cafes and souvenir shops. It is easy to supplement your daily plans with new discoveries.

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Interesting fact:

The oldest bus in Liege, an exhibit in the museum, has taken part in transport exhibitions in Europe as a symbol of the evolution of urban transport.

Opening hours, cost of visit, contacts

The Liege Museum of Public Transport attracts attention not only with its unique collection, but also with the convenience of visiting. All current information on opening hours and ticket prices can be found on the official website of the museum. Before visiting, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the current changes, as opening hours and conditions may change.

Cost of visit:

  • Adult ticket: 10 euros
  • For students and pensioners: 7 euros
  • For children under 12 years old: 5 euros
  • Children under 6 years old – free

Opening hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 10:00 to 18:00
  • Saturday and Sunday: from 11:00 to 19:00
  • Closed on public holidays

Contacts:

  • Address: Musée des Transports en Commun, Place des Guillemins, 4000 Liège, Belgium
  • Official website: www.museetransportsliege.be
  • Phone: +32 4 221 24 62

The Liège Museum of Public Transport is a must-see for historians and those simply interested in the development of urban infrastructure. The exhibitions will help you better understand the evolution of transport technology and its impact on the development and cultural heritage of Liège.