The Mad Museum
Hands-on museum of kinetic art, automata and mechanical sculpture in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, with around 60 interactive pieces.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The MAD Museum opened in 2012 and presents itself as the only museum in the United Kingdom devoted to mechanical art and design. It occupies a first-floor space on Henley Street in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon, above a row of shops.
The collection brings together around 60 interactive works of kinetic art and automata: marble runs, robots, moving sculptures and other machines made by designers and artists. Almost everything can be operated by visitors, who are invited to press buttons and turn handles. A large interactive wall, MAD Marbles, lets visitors build their own marble runs.
The museum links its displays to design and technology and science teaching and offers group visits, school bookings and children's birthday parties. A gift shop sells wind-up toys, sound machines and marble runs.
Highlights
- Around 60 interactive kinetic artworks and automata
- MAD Marbles, a large wall for building marble runs
- Almost every exhibit can be operated by visitors
- Gift shop with wind-up toys and marble runs
Permanent exhibitions
- Kinetic art and automata – Around 60 interactive mechanical artworks, including marble runs, robots and moving sculptures that visitors can operate.
- MAD Marbles – A large interactive wall where visitors design and build their own marble runs.
- Founded
- 2012
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £8.80 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £7.50Concessions |
| Children & teens | £6.50free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 15; children aged 5 and under are free. |
| Families | £25Two adults and two children; an extra child costs £4. |
| Extra child with a family ticket | £4 |
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance for individual visits, except in the October half-term holiday. Prices are as listed on the museum website and may change. The gift shop can be visited without a ticket while the museum is open.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on one floor with step-free access by ramp or lift. The lift carries one wheelchair or pushchair user at a time and has audio announcements and braille. Seating is provided at regular intervals, signage is clear with contrast markings, and designated quiet times are offered for visitors with sensory sensitivities; phone ahead to learn when groups are booked. Staff are trained in disability awareness. A few disabled bays are outside the museum but are not always available. This information comes from a self-assessed access guide.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £25 · Two adults and two children; an extra child costs £4. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Almost all exhibits are hands-on and aimed at children and adults. The museum offers children's birthday parties and describes itself as suitable for autistic visitors, with sensory-rich displays and quiet times.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stratford-upon-Avon station
Local buses stop on Bridge Street, Guild Street and Wood Street. Stratford-upon-Avon railway station is about a 10-minute journey away, with a step-free route.
By car
Parking available
Nearest car parks are Windsor Street and The Riverside Coach and Car Park, both with disabled bays.
- Accessible parking
The museum is at 4–5 Henley Street, above Lakeland and between Toni & Guy and The Cornish Bakery.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Gift shop selling wind-up toys, sound machines and marble runs.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group and school visits can be pre-booked using the museum's group information pack. |
