Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Henri-Malartre Auto Museum, inaugurated on May 31, 1960, was born from the passion of Henri Malartre, a metal dealer and collector of antique cars. From the 1930s he saved historical models of demolition, constituting a precious collection hidden during the Second World War. After the war, he exhibited his vehicles in 1956 in Lyon, sparking a passion that led to the creation of the museum in the Château de Rochetaillé-sur-Saône, acquired in 1959. The site includes a catering workshop and dedicated halls, such as those named in honour of Amédée Gordini and Louis Pradel.

In 1972, the museum became property of the city of Lyon after a purchase for a lifetime annuity, including the collection, park and buildings. Henri Malartre, a rebel deported during the war, had preserved his vehicles in an Iseroese barn. The museum is distinguished by its vocation to keep vehicles in working order, with unique pieces like a Citroën 2CV of 1936 or emblematic cars linked to personalities such as Edith Piaf or General de Gaulle. The collections cover more than a century of history of locomotion, from fiacres to trams, motorcycles and thermal or electric cars.

The castle, whose history dates back to the 12th century, was transformed in the early 20th century in a Belle-Époque style by Jean-Joseph Clerc and his architect Alexis Santu. It now houses Lyon vehicles, spare parts, cycles and public transport, as well as posters and accessories. The museum regularly organizes exhibitions and walks in the park in vehicles from the collection. It is known for its role in preserving French automobile heritage, with rare models such as Mieuset engines (1903) or 19th century steam vehicles.

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