Making Waves: Amazing Machines
Push buttons, turn cranks and let your imagination run wild as you explore the captivating art of contemporary automata in our joyful summer exhibition.
Discover the fascinating revival in automata-making over the past 40 years in this collection of original automata artworks and artefacts from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Unlike the makers of 18th-century automata, this new generation do not strive to imitate real life. Instead, they leave the mechanisms of their creations visible, inviting us to observe and appreciate the complexity and artistry of their intricate inner workings.
16th May - 25th October 2026
Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ, UK
Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-4pm
Tick Tock Marvels
Step into a world of fantastical characters that move as if with a life of their own. Turn handles, set figures in motion, and watch stories spring to life before your eyes. Every twist, spin, and click brings something surprising, magical, and delightfully mechanical into action.
Tick Tock Marvels invites children, families, and curious minds of all ages on an interactive journey into the wild and wonderful world of automata. Explore jungles and deep seas where imagination meets movement, and where art comes alive through science and engineering.
From playful, whimsical creations to impressive feats of mechanics this is perfect for families looking for something different to do in the summer holidays with hands-on play, problem-solving, and shared moments of discovery.
The exhibition features work by celebrated automata maker Keith Newstead (creator of the much-loved Flying Reiver), including a piece inspired by Gormenghast’s Castle from Mervyn Peake’s fantasy book series Titus Groan. It also includes a wealth of automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre’s extraordinary collection and archive, showcasing the history and evolution of this captivating craft in a way that is engaging for all ages.
13th June to 11th October 2026
Open Monday - Saturday 10am-4pmSunday 11am-4pm
Tullie, Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, UK
Circus of Curiosities
Step right up and discover a world of movement, mischief and mechanical magic.
Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels celebrates the wonderful craft, art and joy of moving sculpture. Created by leading contemporary makers this touring, family-friendly exhibition by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, brings together animated models, toys and whimsical characters created by some of the finest contemporary automata makers.
With 25 vibrant, inspiring and witty mechanical sculptures, each piece springs to life at the push of a button or a turn of a handle. Inspired by the spectacle of the circus, these ingenious creations are full of humour, storytelling and surprise.
Alongside the exhibition, families can enjoy a dedicated creative play area, offering hands-on opportunities to experiment, build and be inspired, alongside chilling out in the big top. It’s an automata extravaganza for all ages.
4th July 2026 - 3rd January 2027
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-5pm
American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD, UK
The Mechanical Making Space
Visit our headquarters in Hastings, UK.
See automata, purchase kits & merchandise and tinker with mechanisms at our making tables.
Open by appointment on weekdays & selected weekends.
We had our busiest Easter ever. We had our busiest day ever. It's been phenomenally popular.
Permanent Automata Exhibitions
