Mechanical Art & Design (MAD) Museum

The MAD (Mechanical Art and Design) Museum is the only specialist attraction of its kind in the UK. Based in the centre of Stratford upon Avon, the museum was launched in March 2012 and showcases the world’s finest pieces of Kinetic Art and Automata belonging to pioneering artists from all four corners of the globe.

Originally based on Sheep Street, the new 3,000sq ft museum opened on Henley Street in October 2013 and is now a few doors down from Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the heart of Stratford upon Avon. Since moving, MAD has continued to develop and expand its collection of eccentric and ingenious creations with a steady flow of ever changing artwork.

With over 60 pieces of kinetic art and automata, the museum has machines that engage all customer groups. From buttons to press, handles to turn, lights, colour and weird sounds for the younger generations to beautifully handcrafted pieces of imaginative art from their parents, grandparents and teachers.

In a town renowned for its Shakespearean attributes and a world famous theatre the museum offers a wholly different proposition and a refreshing break. Exactly what its founder envisaged.

School Visits

As the only attraction of its kind in the UK, The MAD Museum offers an educational experience unmatched by anywhere else. Learn and interact with some of the world’s most mesmerising pieces of Kinetic Art and Automata.

MAD is a celebration of Art, Technology, Science and Maths. We encourage pupils to identify themselves with the different physics principal and design elements. Our hands-on approach to immersive learning challenges students to watch and understand how each exhibit works while trying to figure out how the artists came up with their eccentric creations.

Groups have the choice to travel around the museum unaccompanied or book one of our tour guides who provide the perfect mix of education and fun.

Find out about what The MAD Museum is all about, what we offer schools, discounted rates, key stage activity packs, accessibility information and load more by downloading our Educational Resources Pack.