Cité du Train

The Railway Museum Mulhouse ( French names Cité du train or ( older) Musée français du chemin de fer ) is the French national railway museum.

History

The first plans for a railway museum were forged after the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris. However, this came to nothing because over the years could not agree on a suitable location is. In 1969, the city of Mulhouse offered the French national railway company SNCF to a museum grounds for their historic rolling stock.

Two years later, in 1971, the first locomotives were housed in the old engine shed in the northern part of the North railway station of Mulhouse. A new building on a neighboring plot in Mulhouse -Dornach was opened in 1976 and 1983 extended to the public for the first time at 6 tracks.

After decline in visitor numbers, the French national as well as the regional government decided with the help of the city of Mulhouse, the museum thoroughly renovate and present with a new concept to the public. The operation was transferred in 2004 for a period of 12 years to the private Culturespaces.

Under the motto " The Golden Age of Rail " (Le siècle d'or du chemin de fer ) were staged events of the period from 1850 to 1950 in a new 6,000 -square-foot hall, which was opened in 2005. On this occasion, the new name Cité du train was introduced. In addition, the number of exhibits has been increased by 25 to 103.

In the old renovated building that showcases the oldest locomotive of the European mainland, and emphasizes the history from 1844 to 1981 and the technical aspects, the mechanisms for steam generation and the development of diesel and electric locomotives as well as passenger and can be freight cars traced.

In the outdoor area outside the two buildings are located since 2013 other exhibits of the railway infrastructure and a 7 " garden railway for visitors ( from April 1 to October 31). Restaurant is located in the link. Currently, the 25,000 square meter site again as many exhibits for which unfortunately no space in the museum is available in reserve. ParisSudEst the first TGV is expected in Spring 2014.