in Canillo, Andorra
Museu de la Moto (Motorcycle Museum)
A fascinating collection of over 150 vintage motorcycles spanning from 1902 to the present day, showcasing the evolution of motorcycle design and engineering. The museum features rare racing bikes, classic models, and exhibits on motorcycling culture and history.
The Museu de la Moto in Canillo is one of Andorra's most distinctive cultural attractions, housing a private collection of over 150 motorcycles spanning more than a century of mechanical design. Founded by a dedicated local collector, the museum presents motorcycles not merely as vehicles but as objects that reflect technological innovation, industrial history, and popular culture across the 20th century.
The collection opens with machines from the earliest years of motorised transport — fragile single-cylinder machines from the first decade of the 1900s — and progresses chronologically through the inter-war classics, the post-war utility bikes that motorised working families across Europe, and the performance machines of the 1960s and 1970s. Highlights include rare racing motorcycles from European and Spanish championship circuits, original Harley-Davidson models from the 1920s and 1930s, several limited-production Barcelona-built machines of the mid-century period, and a number of one-off prototypes that never reached mass production. Display panels in Catalan, Spanish, French, and English explain the mechanical and cultural significance of each era.
The museum occupies a purpose-built ground-floor space that is well lit and laid out in a logical sequence. Interactive exhibits near the entrance explain basic motorcycle mechanics — engine cycles, transmission systems, and suspension design — making the collection accessible to visitors with no prior technical knowledge. A final room focuses on Andorra's own relationship with motorcycling and displays memorabilia from local rally events held in the principality.
A typical visit takes one to one-and-a-half hours. The museum is a popular choice on days of poor weather during ski season and pairs conveniently with the Palau de Gel sports complex, located approximately 200 metres away along the main road in Canillo. The admission price represents good value for the quality and rarity of the exhibits. Group visits can be arranged in advance for school parties and specialist groups.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-14:00, 15:00-19:00; Sunday 10:00-14:00
Best for: history, families, unique attractions
Location
Carretera General 2, AD100 Canillo
42.5672, 1.5983 — View on map
Highlights
- Over 150 motorcycles spanning from 1902 to the present, displayed in chronological order
- Rare racing machines from European and Spanish championship circuits of the mid-20th century
- Interactive exhibits explaining motorcycle mechanics, accessible to visitors with no technical background
- Dedicated room on Andorra's local motorcycling heritage and Pyrenean rally history
Tips
- Excellent rainy day activity or après-ski option
- Well-curated exhibits even appeal to non-motorcycle enthusiasts
- Interactive displays explain motorcycle mechanics
- Combine with nearby Palau de Gel ice rink
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Museu de la Moto take?
A self-guided visit through the full collection takes one to one-and-a-half hours. Visitors with a deeper interest in motorcycle history typically spend closer to two hours examining the rarer exhibits and reading the multilingual display panels.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes — children generally respond well to the visual variety of the machines, and the interactive mechanics exhibits near the entrance are designed for younger visitors. The museum is entirely indoors, making it an effective rainy-day activity during ski season.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the museum. Flash photography near the oldest and most fragile exhibits is discouraged.
Accessibility
The museum occupies a single ground-floor level with no stairs, making it fully accessible by wheelchair. The entrance from the main road through Canillo has a flat approach. Adapted toilet facilities are available within the complex.
When to visit
Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, the museum is busiest during ski season weekends when poor weather drives visitors indoors. Midweek visits outside the December-to-April ski period offer a quieter experience. The collection is entirely indoors and is a reliable destination in any weather.