A large part of Romania's treasure can be admired at the Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu. Here, along with over 30 exhibits dating back centuries, every child, teenager and adult can admire how the look and technology has changed the development of locomotives. While most of them are no longer in use, some of them are still removed from the railways in certain situations. The exhibits come from all over the world, being protected by law since 2000. In addition, they are currently among the only museums of this kind. An identical one is located in Reșița, but it is, at the same time, seized. Discover in the following lines everything you need to know about the Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu, just before you visit it.

History and presentation

The inauguration of the Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu took place on August 23, 1994, following the desire to keep, in a well-supervised place, some of the most valuable locomotives in Romania. Thus, since 1991, the collection of these models had begun and focused on steam locomotives that were used in the railway network in our country.

The Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu houses over 30 steam locomotives, as well as plows and steam cranes. They used to run with the help of the railways in our country, in the past centuries. Among them are models that were built between 1885 and 1959, in locations such as the Residences, Malaxa and August 23 Domains. Also on display are exhibits made in Budapest, in factories such as Mavag, some built in Berlin, such as Borsig, and even models made in countries such as Austria, Sweden and even the United States.

Even though most of the exhibits are no longer in operation, two of them are still used in certain situations. They are part of the wide-gauge locomotives, as well as the category of those specially designed for narrow gauge. In popular culture, they are called mocaines and used to be used in mountain areas.

Curiosities

All the locomotives within the Museum of Steam Locomotives from Sibiu received the title of treasury goods, together with the order signed by the Minister of Culture. Thus, since December 31, 2000, they are protected by law.

The Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu did not escape quarrels and misunderstandings, which is why, in 2013, it was made public that 7 of the exhibits were put up for auction for small amounts. Thus, one of the locomotives that were sold was quoted on the market with 65,000 euros, but the price for which it was passed on did not exceed 4,000 euros.

The Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu is not the only building of this profile. Another is the Museum of Steam Locomotives in Resita, which, however, has been under seizure since 2016.

Location

The Museum of Steam Locomotives from Sibiu is located on Dorobanților Street, no. 22. From a zonal point of view, it is located near Sibiu Railway Station, respectively within the perimeter of the former Sibiu-Agnita narrow gauge railway depot.

visiting

The Museum of Steam Locomotives in Sibiu can be visited every day, between 09:00 and 15:00.