Please note that all of the shows listed below are now closed. Take a look at our current shows to see what’s on now.
The Magic of the Silver Swan
10 pieces of automata from our collection will be part of this exhibition celebrating the iconic Silver Swan.
This magical 18th century automaton will be joined by mechanical artworks and kinetic sculpture by a variety of artists, makers and inventors.
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, UK
8 July 2023 – 7 January 2024
Curious Contraptions
16th December 2022 – 19th February 2023
Nelson Provincial Museum – New Zealand
On tour from the UK, Curious Contraptions explores small, surreal worlds through fantastical, often amusing mechanical sculptures known as automata. These whimsical flying, sailing, and cycling machines are brought to life by intricate arrangements of handmade cams, cranks, and other simple mechanisms. Each sculpture performs an absurd miniature drama while also reflecting its maker’s worldview and sense of humour. Exposed inner workings and low-tech mechanisms invite the viewer to understand how each one comes to life with just the push of a button or a crank of a handle. It also includes an ‘ensemble workshop’ for visitors to build their own contraptions.
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels features automata, interactives and artefacts from the CMT collection. It is currently touring the UK.
An exhibition for all ages, featuring modern automata with intricate mechanisms and humorous scenes. Cabaret Mechanical Marvels celebrates the fascinating world of automata and show-cases exhibits from some the finest contemporary automata makers throughout the United Kingdom.
The Amelia, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
22nd July – 2nd October 2022
The next stop for Cabaret Mechanical Marvels is this new museum in Kent:
Mechanics Alive!
The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, East Sussex.
28th May – 17th September Extended to 10th December 2022
Spectacular hands-on science & discovery among the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory. This show features large scale interactive mechanisms alongside automata from the CMT collection.
Curious Contraptions
13th August – 27th November 2022
Whirinaki Whare Taonga – Wellington, New Zealand
A fully interactive exhibition of automata from New Zealand and the UK. More than fifty finely crafted tiny machines create a perfect blend of engineering and whimsy, coming to life with the press of a button or the turn of a handle. Every object is bursting with character in an exhibition sure to delight young and old alike.
Curious Contraptions
Te Manawa 326 Main Street, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Extended! Now on until 13 March 2022 (was: 3rd July – 27th October 2021)
A fully interactive exhibition of automata from New Zealand and the UK. More than fifty finely crafted tiny machines create a perfect blend of engineering and whimsy, coming to life with the press of a button or the turn of a handle. Every object is bursting with character in an exhibition sure to delight young and old alike.
CMT @ The Museum of Making
Museum of Making, Silk Mill Lane, Derby, DE1 3AF
10th December 2021 – 13th March 2022
30 pieces of automata from the CMT collection will be travelling to this brand new museum in Derby.
RH Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
24th September 2021 – 17th January 2022
Explora Executive Director Joe Hastings notes that ‘the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre automata are the epitome of STEAM–Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Each automata is a piece of art, a beautiful mechanism, and a five to ten second haiku. Everyone finds a favorite in the collection, and they just have to share with a friend or family member. I’m a big fan of the ‘Banana Ripener,’ which makes me laugh at my own impatience.’
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels
Fletcher’s House, Park Street, Woodstock, OX20 1SN
25th September – 14th November 2021
Ingenious Contraptions
Hastings Museum and Art Gallery, John’s Place, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET
29th May – 29th August 2021
Ingenious Contraptions introduces amazing automata from the collections of Cabaret Mechanical Theatre & Falmouth Art Gallery. This exhibition is entertaining and engaging for families and art enthusiasts alike. The automata capture moments of humour and offer alluring illusion. They will be exhibited with carefully selected museum items for visitors to marvel at their mechanics. This exhibition is made possible with the generous support of Anthony Horowitz and Falmouth Art Gallery.
Ingenious?
Falmouth Art Gallery Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 2RT
11th June – 11th September 2021
A celebration of invention and innovation in Falmouth past and present, plus some jolly clever things from other parts of Cornwall. This eclectic and fun filled exhibition features an assortment of artworks, archival documents and objects that will fascinate all ages. Come along and marvel at the inventions of the Fox family, put some new automata into action and be awe struck by the amazing innovations that are being developed right here, right now.
This exhibition will be accompanied by a series of free workshops, talks and events being held at the Princess Pavilions and the Council Chamber in the Municipal Buildings. See open.falculture.org for the full programme of activities.
In partnership with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.
Cabaret Mechanical Marvels features automata, interactives and artefacts from the CMT collection. It is currently touring the UK.
An exhibition for all ages, featuring modern automata with intricate mechanisms and humorous scenes. Cabaret Mechanical Marvels celebrates the fascinating world of automata and show-cases exhibits from some the finest contemporary automata makers throughout the United Kingdom.
4 High St, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
17th July – 5th September 2021
This temporary exhibition celebrates the fascinating world of automata. The interactive displays give visitors the chance to get up close to these mechanical marvels.
Town Hall, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, AL1 3DH
3rd December 2020 – 21st February 2021 Extended until 27th June 2021
An exhibition for all ages, featuring modern automata with intricate mechanisms and humorous scenes. Cabaret Mechanical Marvels celebrates the fascinating world of automata and show-cases exhibits from some the finest contemporary automata makers throughout the United Kingdom.
Marvellous Mechanicals
Gosport Gallery, Ordnance Road, off the High Street, Gosport, PO12 1NQ
11th October – 19th December 2020
Mechanical Circus
2nd November – April 26th 2020
We are delighted to tour to New Zealand for the first time ever with the fabulous Mechanical Circus exhibition. There are forty stunning automata exhibits from our collection, set amongst games, puzzles, illusions and artefacts from our colleagues at the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave, all displayed in a vibrant circus atmosphere.
Puke Ariki Museum,
1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth 4342, New Zealand
Der vergiftete Kater und andere Märchenmaschinen (The Poisoned Milk and Other Fairy Tales) 16th November 2019 – 16th February 2020 Our latest touring exhibition in Germany has a fairytale theme and includes thirty automata including Paul Spooner’s Les Desmoiselles organ. A series of hands-on automata workshops will run alongside the exhibition.
phaeno Willy-Brandt-Platz 1, 38440 Wolfsburg, Germany
Curious Contraptions
21st November – January 26th 2020
This year’s exhibition at the Exploratorium in San Francisco will include a special selection of automata on loan from the Falmouth Art Gallery, including Peter Markey’s View from Tuke’s Cottage and Carlos Zapata’s Water Ahoy.
Exploratorium, Pier 15,(Embarcadero at Green Street),San Francisco, CA 94111
Marvellous Machines
Ipswich Art Gallery
1 Upper High Street,
Ipswich,
There is also an extensive programme of workshops and activities.
Saturday, 20 July, 2019 – 10:00 to Sunday, 3 November, 2019 – 17:00
A Day at the Architects – London, UK
A Window Exhibition of New Works by Paul Spooner
Rodić Davidson Architects
1 Pied Bull Yard
London
WC1A 2AE
Until 30th September 2019
https://rodicdavidson.co.uk/exhibition/a-day-at-the-architects/
Mechanical Circus – Banbury, UK
Our Mechanical Circus Touring Exhibition moves to Banbury Museum this summer.
Banbury Museum
Spiceball Park Rd
Banbury
OX16 2PQ
25th May to 7 September 2019
Admission Charges Apply
https://www.banburymuseum.org/events/mechanicalcircus/
Fantastic Fairground Factory – Carlisle, UK
Our new touring exhibition Fantastic Fairground Factory launches at
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery,
Castle Street,
Carlisle,
Cumbria,
CA3 8TP
Peek behind the scenes at the mechanical marvels, games, automata and hands on activities of the funfair.
29th June to 6th October 2019
Admission Charges Apply
https://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/events/cabaret-mechanical-theatre-presents-fantastic-fairground-factoryv
Circus by Ron Fuller
Roll up, roll up for the greatest mechanical show on Earth! Featuring beautiful mechanical sculpture, physics games and puzzles there will never be a dull moment!The exhibition is a collaboration between Museum Boerhaave and Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and supported by Norwich City Council.
1st December 2018 – 27th January 2019
The Forum
Millennium Plain, Norwich, NR2 1TF
Curious Contraptions – Inside the Fairy Tale Factory
We are delighted to announce this year’s winter exhibition at the Exploratorium San Francisco.
The exhibition features an enchanting selection of automata from Peter Markey, Paul Spooner, Ron Fuller, Keith Newstead, Wanda Sowry, Carlos Zapata, Fi Henshall, Patrick Bond, Lisa Slater and Kazu Harada. Many of the works have themes from myths or fairytales, including Paul Spooner’s Little Reinhold’s Wonderful Sausage Machine (left) and Keith Newstead’s Baba Yaga’s House (right)
November 8th 2018 – January 20th 2019
The Exploratorium
Pier 15
(Embarcadero @ Green St.)
San Francisco,
CA 94111,
USA
https://www.exploratorium.edu/curious-contraptions
Marvellous Mechanicals – Willis
An exhibition for all ages, which features modern automata, or mechanical sculptures, with clever mechanisms and often humorous ideas.
The automata are on tour from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre whose exhibits have recently been enjoyed in China, Korea, and the USA, with the collection being seen by over ten million people worldwide over the past 30 years.
Come along and marvel at these comical masterpieces, which come to life at the push of a button. You can also get involved as some of these machines need you to get hands-on and understand how they work for yourself.
The exhibition also features a display of amusing circus themed artworks especially commissioned for the show by talented illustrator Sam Hiscock.
6th October – 18th December 2018
Free Entry
Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery
Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
A Cabaret of Mechanical Movement – Falmouth
Turn the handles and be amazed by our astounding automata!
This summer we will be celebrating Falmouth’s tradition of automata making and generally enjoying all things that move. From Peter Markey, Ron Fuller and the original Cabaret Mechanical Theatre to the finest and most recent local and contemporary automata makers.
The exhibition features a full size recreation of the original Cabaret shop window. There is also a chance to see Ron Fuller’s Adam & Eve Pubic Bar for the first time since 2010.
A Cabaret of Mechanical Movement
30 June – 8 September
Falmouth Art Gallery
Municipal Buildings
The Moor, Falmouth
Cornwall, TR11 2RT
FREE ENTRY
Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm
The Marvellous Mechanical Museum – Compton Verney
Promising to be both fascinating and visually stunning, The Marvellous Mechanical Museum will bring a host of historic and contemporary mechanical marvels to Compton Verney.
Beginning with the creations and mechanical exhibitions of the 17th and 18th centuries – a period often regarded as a ‘golden era’ of automata – the exhibition explores how such machines have long fascinated not only their own makers and wealthy patrons but the general public alike.
The exhibition will also feature the whimsical creations of inventor Rowland Emett, set designer for the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and a host of Contemporary Automata makers and artists.
The Marvellous Mechanical Museum
30 June 2018 – 30 September 2018, Tue – Sun, 11am – 5pm
Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park
Warwickshire
CV35 9HZ
Curious Contraptions – Amazeum, Arkansas, USA
In a world where digital amazements are everywhere, these quirky, intricate, hand-crafted mechanical marvels bring back a time when analog ruled. The collection of automata in Curious Contraptions shows the creative interplay between simple mechanisms and skilled craftsmanship. Each automata is a masterpiece of creative thought and execution as the cams, gears, cranks, and other simple machines combine in a movable sculpture that moves a character through a short, often humorous, story. Curious Contraptions features exhibits from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and Science Projects in London, England.
2nd June – 3rd September 2018
Scott Family Amazeum
1009 Museum Way
Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Marvellous Machines – Red House Museum, UK
The Red House Museum is excited to present this year’s summer exhibition: Marvellous Machines from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.
An exhibition for all ages which features modern automata, or mechanical sculptures, with clever mechanisms and often humorous ideas.
The automata are on tour from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre whose exhibits have recently been enjoyed in China, Korea, and the USA, with the collection being seen by over ten million people worldwide over the past 30 years.
Come along and marvel at these colourful humorous and thought-provoking masterpieces, which come to life at the push of a button. You can also get involved as some of these machines need you to get hands-on and understand how they work for yourself.
14th July – 1st September 2018
Free Admission
Red House Museum
Quay Road, Christchurch
Hampshire, BH23 1BU
A Curious Turn: Moving Mechanical Sculpture
A Crafts Council Exhibition
The eagerly anticipated tour of the Crafts Council’s exhibition, A Curious Turn, began in full at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, (a smaller version of the show premiered at the Platform Gallery in Habitat, King’s Road, London).
The UK tours dates are:
- 18th Feb to 21st May 2017, Wolverhampton Art Gallery
- 8th Jul – 2nd Sep 2017, Gallery Oldham
- 15 Sep – 19 Nov 2017, Derby Museum and Art Gallery
- 3 Dec 2017 – 25 Feb 2018, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
- 10 Mar – 21 May 2018, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Devon
- 26 May – 19 Aug 2018, Heath Robinson Museum, Pinner
Links: Crafts Council
If you can’t visit the exhibition in person, there is a virtual version of the exhibition at Derby Museum here: https://v21artspace.com/a-curious-turn
Automata on the Pier with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
March 15th – April 15th 2018
Open Daily – Free
Hastings Pier, Hastings, East Sussex, UK
Exhibition, Workshops, Community Event Fun Day and Talk.
We are exhibiting over 20 automata from our collection on Hastings Pier.
This exhibition is part of a wider partnership between Hastings Pier, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, Culture Shift and the Craftivist Network, which includes a programme of workshops for families, schools and community groups.
One key part of the project has seen local artists working with Autism Sussex, Parchment Trust, MENCAP, Active Arts, Southdown’s Wellbeing Centre in Bexhill and Seaview to help local people to create their own automata, some of which will be on display.
Tim Hunkin talk: The Changing Fortunes of Amusement Arcades
Thursday 12th April 6.30 p.m. £5
Booking Essential
Click here for more information
Family Workshops
There are also a series of Family Workshops inspired by the exhibition
Click here for more information
Marvellous Machines – Banbury Museum
An exhibition for all ages that combines curious and quirky gadgets and contraptions from the days before electronics, with modern automata, and all with more than a hint of Steampunk.
24 March – 9 June 2018
Open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission £2 – £4
Banbury Museum
Spiceball Park Rd
Banbury
OX16 2PQ
Curious Contraptions at Explora
Our Touring Exhibition ‘Curious Contraptions’ is at
Explora
1701 Mountain Road NW
Albuquerque,
New Mexico 87104,
USA
17th Feb – 20th May 2018
Open Daily – Admission Charge
The exhibition includes fabulous automata from our collection, interactive panels which explain the mechanics behind the pieces, and an inspiring new mechanical sign for Curious Contraptions created by Wonderful Idea Co.
Curious Contraptions – Small Machines of Love and Mystery
This year’s exhibition at the Exploratorium San Francisco features the work of Carlos Zapata. There are also new works from Wanda Sowry, Andy Hazell and Lisa Slater.
Opens on 16th November 2017 and continues until January 2018.
https://www.exploratorium.edu/curious-contraptions
Cirkus Mekanikus in Brno
The Mechanical Circus exhibition created in collaboration with Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is travelling to the Vida science centre in Brno. This is the first time our exhibits have visited the Czech Republic.
28th September – 31st December 2017
VIDA! KřÞkovského 554/12, 603 00 Brno
More information on the Vida website
The Mechanicals in Miami
Museum of Science
Miami, FL 33132
Moving Toys in South Korea
Photo by Robin Mitchell
Moving Toys, with Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre.
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- Photo by Robin Mitchell
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- Photo by Robin Mitchell
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- Photo by Stephen Guy
The Clockwork Garden at the Bowes Museum UK
http://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/Exhibitions/2017/The-Clockwork-Garden
The Mechanicals at Royal Engineers Museum
Gillingham, Kent
ME4 4UG, UK
Dockside Automata at Gallions Reach, London
Date: Sunday, May 21, 2017 to Monday 28th August, 2017 (Weekends and Bank Holidays Only)
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Address: RAW Lab, 1 Upper Dock Walk, London, E16 2GU
Junkas Giles
A rare chance to see a collection of 16 of our exhibits in London, including works from Paul Spooner, Peter Markey, Keith Newstead, Ron Fuller, Carlos Zapata, Pierre Mayer, John Lumbus and Fi Henshall.
- See work in progress at Fire the Inventor’s temporary on-site workshop
- Press buttons and turn handles to trigger the machines into magical life
- Enjoy a coffee or tea and sup in the kinetic atmosphere
- Stunning views of the docks and low-flying aircraft!
Sailor and Mermaid
Artist in Residence, Stephen Guy will be leading community workshops during the period.
Find out more here.
This event is a collaboration between Fire the Inventor, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, Bow Arts and Notting Hill Housing.
The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven
If you happen to be sailing around the coast of the UK in the next six weeks, you might want to book a mooring at Whitehaven harbour. Our touring exhibition, The Mechanicals, has arrived at The Beacon Museum and will be entertaining visitors of all ages from Saturday 25th March.
West Strand
Whitehaven
Cumbria CA28 7LY
Closed 30th April 2017.
Mechanical Moving Toys Exhibition
Our popular exhibition with Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is continuing it’s tour in China at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, until 24th March 2017.
More info: http://www.anjismart.org
Curious Contraptions at the Exploratorium
Our latest touring exhibition, Curious Contraptions will be at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, from 17th November to Jan 29th 2017. The exhibition features work from 15 different artists, both from the UK and USA and a series of automata making workshops will accompany the exhibition.
17th Nov 2016 to 29th Jan 2017. Admissions charges apply.
To learn more about this exciting event, visit the Curious Contraptions Website
Exploratorium
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green St)
San Francisco,
CA 94111, USA
Mechanical Things at ThinkTank
We are excited to be taking part in the wonderful exhibition featuring the world of Rowland Emett this winter at Thinktank Birmingham.
13 automata from our collection, including Paul Spooner’s wonderful ‘Sausage Machine’ will be on display alongside the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, and A Quiet Afternoon in the Cloud Cuckoo Valley which is Rowland Emett’s last and largest machine.
1st December 2016 to 5th March 2017. Admission Fees Apply.
Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum
Millennium Point
Birmingham B4 7XG
Mechanical Things
A Curious Turn: Moving Mechanical Sculpture
A Crafts Council Exhibition
Platform Gallery at Habitat, London,
15 September - 2 October
A Curious Turn features 30 automata from the leading makers of the last 40 years, ranging from the humorous to the macabre and from the playful to the satirical.
This is a touring show – for the other dates in 2017 and 2018, see this blog post.
Crafts Council – A Curious Turn.
Experimenta
Zahnrad, Kurbel & Co (Gears, Cranks and Co)
Kranenstraße 14
74072 Heilbronn
Germany
Open Daily – admission charges apply
Until September 25th 2016
CMT in China
We are delighted to announce our first exhibition in China, at the Guang Dong Science Centre in Guangzhou, China.
Forty of our CMT automata are included in the brand new Mechanical Moving Toys Exhibition, alongside works from Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, and inspiring workshops and amazing new interactives from Fire the Inventor.
Exhibition photos by Robin Mitchell
The Clockwork Garden
We have been collaborating with the House of Fairytales, on their latest exhibition, which is capturing the imagination of children and adults alike at:
Quarry Bank Mill National Trust
Styal, Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 4LA
Check website for opening times and admission fees.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank/features/the-clockwork-garden
Until 11th September 2016.
The Mechanicals
The Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux
Hailsham
East Sussex
BN27 1RN
Until 31st August 2015.
Admission Charges: Adults £8. Children £6.15. Concessions and Family Tickets also available.
http://www.the-observatory.org/temporary-exhibitions
Dancing Machine 2 – Eretz Museum, Tel Aviv
Following the success of our exhibition in 2010, (pictured), The Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv, are hosting another exhibition featuring our touring automata collection. Dancing Machine 2 opens on 19th July 2015.
Eretz Israel Museum
2 Haim Levanon St., Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69975
Entrance Fees apply – for more information visit
http://www.eretzmuseum.org.il/e/326/
The Misplaced Museum
Six of our automata exhibits are enchanting visitors at the House of Fairytales latest exhibition in Kingston-upon-Thames.
Until March 28th 2015
Free Entry: Tues – Sat 11am – 5pm / Wed Late – 7pm
The Stanley Picker Gallery,
Kingston School of Art,
Knights Park,
Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 2QJ
http://houseoffairytales.org/the-misplaced-museum/
Wiltons Music Hall
Our Mechanicals exhibition will be at Wiltons Music Hall from 12th to 17th February, as part of a series of making events with Fire the Inventor, for adults and children.
12th – 13th February Making Nights, with wine and music.
14th February, Exhibition and Family Workshop
16th February and 17th February Half Term fun and Family Workshop.
Fire The Inventor – Wilton’s Music Hall
The Nutcracker: Christmas at Mottisfont
Some of our automata are appearing at Mottisfont, National Trust, as part of their Nutcracker Christmas event.
Saturday 29 November – Sunday 4 January 2015
Start your visit with a peek into a twinkling Christmas party, then ascend the staircase to the sound of ticking clocks, to enter the dream mechanical world of the Nutcracker. Have a go operating life-size puppets and all sorts of weird and wonderful automata from the famous Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. Beautiful little lantern theatres reveal more of the story. Watch out for the exciting battle between the Mouse King and the toy soldiers before heading out to the gardens to explore the Land of Snow and ice and land of Sweets.
Mottisfont – National Trust
near Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 0LP
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, Netherlands
Open 1st July 2014 to 2nd November 2014
The Museum Boerhaave is the Netherlands’ National Museum of the History of Science and Medicine. As the national treasury of scientific endeavours, the museum shows some 400 years of advances in knowledge. Developments in the various sciences can be viewed in 24 rooms on two levels. The Mechanical Circus returns to the Museum Boerhaave after it’s last visit in 2011. See 40 automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre alongside artefacts from the museum. All in an atmospheric circus setting.
Museum Boerhaave
Lange St.
Agnietenstraat 10
2312 WC Leiden
The Mechanicals at Teknikens Hus, Sweden
A collaboration between Science Projects and Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, The Mechanicals is a joyful interactive exhibition of comical, beautifully made automata that will give fun and knowledge to old and young.
14 June to 2 November 2014
Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-16.00. Closed on Mondays.
Admission 70 SEK / person, Children 0-4 years free admission.
Admission Price high season 23 June to 17 August 2014 90 SEK / person
Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, UK
Automata, a Collector’s Collection
16 June 2014 – 9 November 2014
Automata and mechanical and moving toys from Sir Nicholas Goodison’s contemporary collection will be shown in Walpole’s original display cabinets. The display includes traditional toys from around the world and witty works by some of the best-known modern British makers. Entry to the exhibition is free with a paid entry ticket to the house.
Come Create at Think Tank, Birmingham, UK
Thinktank is inviting visitors to get in touch with their inventive side, in the new summer exhibition ‘Come Create’. Open daily from 24 May – 7 September 2014, ‘Come Create’ combines some of the more extraordinary creations from Birmingham Museums’ collection, alongside fun hands-on activities for all ages. These include making a giant ball run, creating electric circuits and fun invention-themed art activities.
There will be 12 exhibits from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre throughout the exhibition.
24th May – 7th September 2014
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Thinktank- Birmingham Science Museum
Millennium Point, Birmingham B4 7AP
Thinktank isn’t the only place in Birmingham for visitors to see creativity in action. Over at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, ‘Marvellous Machines’ is open daily until 21 September. Visitors can step inside the world of machines and drawings by creator and inventor Rowland Emett, perhaps best known for his contraptions featured in the film ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.
Peckham Platform, London, UK
Money Distribution Machines and other Useful Contraptions
20th May 27th July 2014
Money Distribution Machine, Chocolate Converter, Let-Others-be- Nice-To-Me Device and a Perfect Baby Dispenser; these are just a few desired appliances for life that have arisen from workshops and conversations between the artist Kathrin Böhm and service users at Three Cs, an organisation for people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges with a mental health support service on Rye Lane in Peckham.
‘Money Distribution Machine and Other Useful Contraptions’ is Peckham Platform’s second commission as an independent organisation, and the project follows Böhm’s interest in collaborative production structures. The exhibition will gather the results of the workshops alongside other unusual devices by invited artists and organisations, including Tim Hunkin’s videos of ‘home made slot machines’, Blake Fall-Conroy’s ‘Minimum Wage Machine, a device for ‘instant animation production’ by Technology Will Save Us as well as a series of 4 pieces of automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.
Peckham Platform
89 Peckham High Street
London SE15 5RS
See more details on the website, including a talk from Tim Hunkin.
The Mechanical Circus
Roll up! Roll up! The Mechanical Circus exhibition is making it’s debut appearance in the UK at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.
Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery
Castle Street, Carlisle
Cumbria CA3 8TP
15th February to 1st June 2014
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre in Greenwich
We are thrilled to announce our next London exhibition, which will include new works from our automata making artists, an inspiring workshop programme, plus automata from our collection. Artists include Paul Spooner, Keith Newstead, Lisa Slater, Simon Venus, Martin Smith, Carlos Zapata, Richard Hackney and others.
12th Dec 2013 to 22nd February 2014
Paul McPherson Gallery
77 Lassell Street
Greenwich
London SE10 9PJ
Finton House School
We are delighted to be exhibiting 14 of our automata at Finton House School in London in the new Emma Thornton Building. CMT has had close ties with the School for many years, and automata making is a key part of the Design and Technology curriculum there.
Finton House School
171, Trinity Road
Wandsworth
London SW17 7HL
http://www.fintonhouse.org.uk/
29th October to 21st November 2013. Exhibition open to Public – Tues, Wed, Thurs 5pm to 8pm. Sat 9th November 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Amazing Automata Tour
20 of our favourite automata are now on tour in the UK. Come along this summer and have fun bringing the pieces to life at the touch of a button. There are lots of classics, such as Paul Spooner’s The Barecats, The Spaghetti Eater, Peter Markey’s Piano Player and Keith Newstead’s Ski-ing Dog.
Our Amazing Automata exhibition is continuing it’s stay in Scotland by popular demand. It has now moved to:
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Castle Wynd
Inverness
Scotland IV2 3EB
Free Admission. 25th October to January 4th 2014
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
Alternative Technology Centre
A lovely location beside the canal. 1st July – 31st July 2013
Hebble End Mill,
Hebden Bridge,
West Yorkshire HX7 6HJ
After this the exhibits will tour to Scotland and visit these two galleries in the Highlands.
17th August – 7th September 2013
St Fergus Gallery, Wick
Wick Library, Sinclair Terrace, Wick KW1 5AB
St Fergus Gallery
14th September- 12th October 2013
Iona Gallery, Kingussie
Duke Street, Kingussie, Inverness-shire, PH21 1JG
Iona Gallery
The Mechanicals at The Abu Dhabi Science Festival
We are very excited about taking part in this year’s Abu Dhabi Science Festival. Our Mechanicals Exhibition will be on display, and we will be running automata-making workshops throughout. You can find us at the Corniche Location.
14th – 23rd November 2013
More information: Abu Dhabi Science Festival
CMT Automata at Mottisfont
The Art Gallery at Mottisfont. 18 exhibits from our collection will be on show as part of an exhibition on the theme of childhood and imagination.
The exhibition features the classic illustrations of E H Shephard, as well as a collection of new work from Keith Newstead, and a Kite Making display and workshops.
The House at Pooh Corner:
13 July – 15 September 2013
Mottisfont
near Romsey SO51 0LP
Admission included with Entrance Fee to Mottisfont
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont/
Magical Mechanicals
The Mechanicals Exhibition will be visiting the Unicorn Theatre in London this summer. Come along and see our fabulous automata, and learn more about how they work with this interactive exhibition.
The exhibition is in the Clore Studio, and coincides with a new theatre production, Lionboy from the award-winning theatre company Complicite.
9th July to 21st July 2013
Clore Studio
Unicorn Theatre
147 Tooley Street
London SE1 2HZ
CMT Aboard the MS Stubnitz
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre afloat for the first time on the MS Stubnitz.
Exhibition and Automata Workshops
13th March to 12th April 2013
“Hidden away in Hold One of the Stubnitz, a dozen precious and intricate machines sleepily await visitors to press their buttons and trigger them into action. Gears and cogs power up miniature performances that are funny, strange and unexpected…
These are the automata of the Cabaret of Mechanical Theatre. Here you will find ingenious engineering allied with high art, a mischievous sense of humour, and even the chance to learn something of the art of mechanical movement yourself”.
MS Stubnitz
Montgomery Street
Wood Wharf E14 9SB
The Stubnitz travels and this was a temporary mooring in London.
Exhibition Opening Times
March 13th – March 26th
Weekdays 12-2pm to 5-7pm
Weekends 12 – 5 pm
EXHBITION CLOSED 27th March to 31st March
1st April to 12th April
Open Daily 12 – 5 pm
Automata Workshop Programme
Ensemble Automata Workshop Event with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
12th March – 6.30 – 8pm
Exercise your creative and making skills by building a machine to join a snaking line of linked-up automata. Over 50 machines will form an amazing temporary collaborative moving sculpture which last performed at the V&A. Uses pre-made components and a big pile of random found objects. No tools or special skills required. Note: the machines cannot be taken home.
One Day Introduction to Automata-making with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
23rd March 10am to 5pm
A hands-on, experimental workshop that introduces and explores the creative power of cams and cranks. Using pre-made wood and metal components each participant will construct a cam and crankshaft mechanism. Using this mechanism, participants will learn how to harness the kinetic potential of turning a handle and making static objects come alive. Participants can take their creations home.
Mechanical Art Workshop for Families with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
3rd April – 2pm to 4pm
Connect art and technology by making a mechancial toy or automata. Using a mix of pre-made parts, craft materials, various bits and pieces, and a glue gun, you can make and take home a cam-driven machine which bursts into life at the turn of a handle. Workshop suitable for all ages over five (under eights will need adult help).
The Mechanicals – Life Science Centre – Newcastle
13th Feb – 28th April 2013
Life Science Centre,
Times Square,
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4EP
CMT at Space Station Sixty-Five Part 2
Back by popular demand!
27th September 2012 to 6th January 2013
Space Station Sixty-Five
65 North Cross Road
London SE22 9ET
We have welcomed over 10,000 visitors to our summer exhibition at Space Station Sixty-Five so we thought we’d better return for a second free exhibition in the heart of East Dulwich. Come and visit a new selection of exhibits, with many favourites still on show.
The shop will be open throughout selling books, cutouts, kits and automata, perfect for Christmas shopping. East Dulwich has a whole host of independent shops and cafes to enjoy during your visit.
The Mechanicals – Pontypridd Museum – UK
1st October to 26th October 2012
Pontypridd Museum
Historical Centre
The Old Bridge
Pontypridd CF37 3PE
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre @ Space Station Sixty-Five – Part One
As London celebrates an historic summer, Space Station Sixty-Five are delighted to host a free exhibition of contemporary automata from Cabaret Mechanical Theatre at their original gallery in East Dulwich. Come along and press the buttons and bring these ingenious machines to life. Watch the performers in Ron Fuller’s tiny mechanical circus, marvel at Keith Newstead’s lifelike brassy peacock, and see many of Paul Spooner’s humorous creations including the man who eats his own weight in spaghetti – in the bath.
29th June 2012 to 7th September 2012
Space Station Sixty-Five (East Dulwich)
65 North Cross Road
London SE22 9ET
Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery
Our touring exhibition, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre Presents Automata!, will be in Gloucester this summer.
Brunswick Road,
Gloucester GL1 1HP
Sat 14th July to Sat 8th September 2012
The Mechanicals – Dorman Museum
Dorman Museum
Linthorpe Road
Middlesbrough TS5 6LA
July 23rd to August 26th 2012
The Mechanicals
A collaboration between Science Projects Ltd and Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, The Mechanicals is a joyful interactive exhibition of comical, beautifully made automata that will give fun and knowledge to old and young.
Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux
Observatory Science Centre
October 12th until May 13th 2012
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre presents Automata!
This new exhibition of 20 exhibits from our collection is travelling to Hampshire for the run-up to Christmas this year.
Many of the exhibits are by Paul Spooner, including several of his iconic Anubis pieces.
Exhibition open 5th November to 24th December 2011
Allen Gallery
Church Street
Alton
Hampshire GU34 2BW
Click here for Culture 24 Article
The Mechanicals – The Oxfordshire Museum, UK
We have teamed up with Science Projects (leading interactive exhibit designers) to create a new travelling exhibition. The first venue will be the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock. Come along and see some of our most popular automata alongside new mechanical exhibits. Based on our book, Cabaret Mechanical Movement, these will enable visitors to experiment with the mechanisms on a large scale. A programme of workshops will run throughout the exhibition.
Exhibition opens 30th July and continues until 11th September 2011.
The Oxfordshire Museum
Fletcher’s House
Park Street
Woodstock OX20 1SN
Click here for article in The Oxford Times
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, Netherlands
Open 28th April 2011 to 1st September 2011
The Museum Boerhaave is the Netherlands’ National Museum of the History of Science and Medicine.
As the national treasury of scientific endeavours, the museum shows some 400 years of advances in knowledge. Developments in the various sciences can be viewed in 24 rooms on two levels. Curators Marieke Meijers and Tim Huisman are integrating CMT automata with many pieces from the museum’s collection of bizarre medical machines.
Museum Boerhaave
Lange St.
Agnietenstraat 10
2312 WC Leiden
Tel: +31 (0)71-5214224
Eretz Israel Museum – Tel-Aviv
12th July to 10th October 2010
2 Haim Levanon, Ramat Aviv, Tel – Aviv 69975
Eretz Israel Museum Site
Click Here for Jerusalem Post Arts and Culture Article
Article from the Jerusalem Post – Download PDF
Miami Science Museum – USA
5th Feb to 6th September 2010 – extended by popular demand. Now closes on November 29th 2010.
Miami Science Museum
3280 South Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
The Ride of Life at Woodstock, Oxfordshire
10th January to 28th March 2010
The Oxfordshire Museum
Fletcher’s House
Park Street
Woodstock
OX20 1SN
Click here for article in Oxford Mail. Click here for BBC News Video
Automata portraying a satire on the 1980s British way of life in the form of the Adam and Eve public bar. The scene throbs and pulses with fertility and creation! Designed by Ron Fuller. Includes adult content and is not suitable for children.
El Parque de las Ciencias – Granada – Spain
Extended by popular demand.
1st November – 31st Jan 2010 14th February 2010
El Parque de las Ciencias
Avda. del Mediterraneo s/n
18006 Granada
Spain
A new exhibition including large scale work from Carlos Zapata, and Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre.
Don Harrington Discovery Centre – Texas – USA
Amazing Amusing Machines – Touring Exhibition
Opens June 2nd 2009
Closes September 20th 2009
Extended by popular demand! Now closes 8th January 2010.
1200 Streit Drive
Amarillo
Texas
79106 USA
Don Harrington Discovery Centre
DASA – Dortmund – Germany
October 4th to December 30th 2009
DASA
Friedrich-Henkel-Weg 1-25
D-44149 Dortmund
Germany
Our European Travelling Exhibition moves to Germany, and is be hosted by DASA, a fascinating venue, which explores the world of humans and their work. Extraordinary innovative exhibition design challenges all the senses while experiencing yesterdays, todays and tomorrow’s world of work.
Cabaret Mechanical Theatre – Ginza – Tokyo – Japan
CMT Japanese Touring Exhibition
Open 1st May – 25th December 2009
Ginza 6-8-3 Owaricho Bldg. 1F (at the corner of Miyuki St. and Suzuran St.)
ChÅ«Å-ku
Tokyo
JAPAN
Opening hours
Mon-Fri: 11:30-18:30
Sat, Sun & National Holidays: 11:00-19:00
No charge – machines are coin operated.
These exhibits were originally on display in Otaru, Hokkaido for over 15 years.
Scotland Street School museum – Glasgow – UK
Mechanics Alive!! returns from the 2008 tour of Australia to make it’s first visit to Scotland.
26th June 2009 – 28th September 2009
225 Scotland Street
Glasgow
G5 8QB
El Parque de las Ciencias – Granada – Spain
CMT European Touring Exhibition
Extended due to popular demand!
See all the exhibits here.
Opens 3rd November 2008
Now closes 31st March 2009
Our European Touring exhibition moves to a stunning setting in Granada, Southern Spain beneath the Sierra Nevada.
Avda. del Mediterraneo
18006 Granada
Spain
For more info:
El Parque de las Ciencias
Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Amazing Amusing Machines – Touring Exhibition
Opens 1st October 2008
Closes 2nd March 2009
5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago,
IL 60637
USA
Our collection of 20 exhibits from the Fourteen Ball Toy Company is spending six months in Chicago – a great holiday outing!
Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
Questacon – Canberra – Australia
Mechanics Alive!! – Touring Exhibition
King Edward Terrace
Canberra
ACT 2600
Australia
Opens 1st November 2008
Closes 27th January 2009
The Australian Tour continues and Mechanics Alive!! has moved from Perth to Canberra – 35 pieces plus workshops.
See all the exhibits here.
Mechanics Alive!! at The Western Australia Museum
15th March – 11th May 2008
The Western Australia Museum, Perth, WA, Australia
Mechanics Alive was on show as part of the 20th UNIMA Congress and World Puppetry Festival presented by Spare Parts puppet theatre.
It was Cabaret Mechanical Theatre’s first exhibition in Australia.
PhantasieMechanik at phaeno
22nd February – 31st August 2008
phaeno, Wolfsburg, Germany
Over 100,000 visitors have enjoyed the exhibition at phaeno in Germany, which featured the work of 10 CMT artists as well as Arthur Ganson, Norman Tuck and Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre. Click here for images of the show. Also, you can read an article in Time Magazine.
Wait, there’s more! Older exhibitions: 2002-2007.
Please note that all of the shows listed above are now closed. Take a look at our current shows to see what’s on now.
