Envision stepping into a time capsule. Here at the Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud, horse-drawn carriages whisper tales of a bygone era. This museum is more than just a collection. It’s a portal to the past.
The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud primarily exhibits antique carriages and objects used in horse riding. You can also view antique motorcycles. The museum is located in Quilmes in Buenos Aires.
The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud is also known as El Dorado. Back in 1870, a grand residence was built. It was considered one of the most extensive estates in the area. The Dorado family, wealthy merchants from Bolivia, later acquired the property. In 1927, Don Carlos Hillner y Decoud purchased the estate. He named it El Dorado after its previous owners. That same year, he began constructing the coach houses and stables. The museum operates in this building today.
Carlos Hillner Decoud donated the carriages and the grounds. He stipulated that they be preserved. In the mid-20th century, the property was bequeathed to the Government of the Province of Buenos Aires. In 1978, the Municipality of Quilmes took over. Carlos Hillner was known for his generosity. Many Quilmes institutions benefited from his donations.
Carlos Hillner Decoud was born in Buenos Aires on December 14, 1880. He was the son of Heraclio Hillner and Justa Petrona Egusquiza Decoud. At 15, Carlos studied in Paris and England. In 1899, he graduated from the Royal College of Agriculture of Epswick. He returned to Argentina to manage family estates. He bred horses with Manuel María Decoud. Their Haras Argentino became one of the most important breeders of thoroughbred racehorses.
Carlos served on the boards of major companies. These included Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes. He founded Inmobiliara Quilmes and Estancia El Retiro with the Bemberg brothers. Don Carlos cultivated friendships in aristocratic circles. Despite being single, he was devoted to his nephews and nieces. He shared a love for horses with his niece Wilma Decoud. Carlos felt a strong connection to Paraguay. He described it as geographically distant but eternally close to his heart.
In 1957, Carlos bequeathed his Buenos Aires residence to Paraguay. It was to be the permanent residence for Paraguayan diplomatic mission heads. He left “El Dorado” to the Province of Buenos Aires to be an agricultural college. His carriage collection was to be preserved. It is now considered one of the most valuable in Latin America. Carlos passed away in 1961. He was surrounded by family. He is buried in the Quilmes Cemetery. He wanted to be near his horses.
When Don Carlos bought the estancia, it spanned 40 hectares. It already had stables, outbuildings, and guest rooms. The English-style construction was designed by architect Roberto Soto Acebal. It features large carved wooden porticos, brick walls, and tile roofs. Most construction materials came from Europe. Carlos acquired them from demolished European stables.
The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud collection includes carriages. Hillner acquired these at auctions and from private collections in England, France, and Argentina. They are well-preserved. The original collection consisted of 17 carriages built between 1860 and 1900. A replica of a brewery cart has since been added.
The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud features spiders, breaks, landaus and more. One notable piece is a French carriage. Its horses are hitched in tandem. One horse is in front of the other. The lead horse is free, guided only by reins. The museum also has a room of harnesses and saddles from Europe.
The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud has faced challenges. In 2022, a controversial water park project was announced for the museum grounds. This sparked opposition from residents and cultural institutions. They feared it would negatively impact the museum’s historical context.
Take a moment to appreciate the dedication that has preserved this legacy. The Museo del Transporte Carlos Hillner Decoud stands as a testament to a rich history. It honors the vision of a man who loved horses and his community.