In a Snapshot… The MAD Museum does what it says on the tin! Based in the center of Stratford upon Avon, this quirky attraction displays interactive pieces of mechanical art, in particular; kinetic art and automata.
“MAD” stands for Mechanical Art and Design.
If you’re not quite sure what mechanical art is all about, think of the machines and gizmos used in Wallace and Gromit, Scrapheap Challenge and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In a nutshell, mechanical art is usually beautifully crafted, moving sculptures either made to have an exaggerated purpose or made simply for the fun of it.
The pieces on display have been sourced from artists all around the world and the fact that nearly everything is interactive means kids and big kids(!) can really get stuck in. We encourage you to press buttons and to “release your inner inventor”. In a world full of computer screens and ‘do not touch’ signs, we’ve been told MAD is refreshingly satisfying.
As well as a lot of fun, The MAD Museum demonstrates inspirational creativity and clever, often witty design. We support the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Art and Design.
Overall The MAD Museum is a fantastic playground for adults and a perfect treasure-trove for inquisitive kids. As well as being highly interactive and a lot of fun, this eccentric museum appeals to those with curious and methodical brains too. Figure out how the gears, sprockets, robotics and eccentric paraphernalia all engage with one another at the press of a button.
There are plenty of different styles of kinetic art and automata to interactive with. From marble machines and 3D faces to Flying mechanical birds and sand pictures. Even the museum’s founder has tried his hand at making an exhibit which is on display in the museum. It’s called ‘The Kitchenator’ and it’s a rolling ball sculpture made entirely out of things you would find in your kitchen. If you like art, design, science and/or engineering, The MAD Museum is for you.