Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot
| Company type | Heritage museum |
|---|---|
| Industry | Museum, Automotive heritage |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Peugeot family |
| Headquarters | Sochaux , France |
Area served | Visitors worldwide |
| Products | Exhibitions of Peugeot vehicles, bicycles, household tools |
The Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot (Peugeot Adventure Museum) is a heritage museum dedicated to the history of the Peugeot automotive enterprise. Established by members of the Peugeot family, it began welcoming visitors in 1988 close to the company’s principal manufacturing facility located in Sochaux.
This museum presents the progression of Peugeot’s vehicles starting from their inaugural automobile in 1891, providing an extensive overview of the Automotive industry's growth. Additionally, it displays Peugeot’s wide array of products, including bicycles and household tools, underscoring the brand’s varied production legacy.
Visitor attendance was anticipated to reach 85,000 in 2010, an increase from 75,000 in 2009, with approximately one-quarter being international guests. The institution targets an annual visitor count between 90,000 and 100,000, aiming to exceed the cumulative 1.6 million visitors recorded from 1988 through 2008.
History
In 1982, Pierre Peugeot, who was then chairman of the company’s supervisory board, initiated the “l’Aventure Peugeot” team to gather artifacts representing nearly two hundred years of the company’s heritage. While the collection primarily centered on historic automobiles, it also encompassed other industrial pursuits by the family.
By 1984, a spacious workshop adjacent to the historic Sochaux location was transformed into a museum space, which officially opened its doors in 1988. The exhibition area was significantly enlarged in 2000 when an extension tripled the original display capacity by expanding over the footprint of the existing structure.
To celebrate Peugeot’s bicentennial in May 2010, a further expansion of 1,500 m2 was added, raising the number of exhibited vehicles from 95 to 130. Since 2008, audio guides have been available for visitors, and in 2010 a “virtual visit” feature was introduced using flashcode technology compatible with mobile devices. This virtual tour initially showcased eight vehicles but is planned to eventually encompass the entire collection.
Statistics and highlights
- Total collection includes approximately 450 vehicles; about 130 are displayed at any given time
- Around 300 bicycles and motorcycles are part of the collection; roughly 130 exhibited simultaneously
- Exhibition space covers 45,000 m² overall; with 10,000 m² accessible to visitors
- Archives extend over a length of 5 km