Name: The MAD Museum
Rating: 5.0

The MAD Museum

The MAD Museum, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6PT, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

The Mechanical Art and Design (MAD) Museum is one of the best things to do with kids in Stratford-upon-Avon for families looking for an interactive, quirky day out. As the UK’s only permanent venue dedicated to mechanical art, it showcases hundreds of intricate, moving contraptions and kinetic sculptures. It offers a unique, hands-on experience that appeals to curious minds of all ages.

Price starts from £8.80 for Adults, £6.50 for Children(6-15 years & under 5s free) and £25.00 for Family(2 Adults and up to 2 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, The MAD Museum offers an unforgettable, unconventional experience. With interactive displays that invite you to build, push, and experiment, it is a perfect indoor activity for families visiting the heart of Warwickshire.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Kinetic Sculpture: Explore hundreds of handcrafted, moving machines that range from intricate clockwork to large, dramatic wall-mounted pieces.
Interactive Exhibits: Unlike many museums, visitors are actively encouraged to press buttons, turn handles, and interact with the installations to see how they function.
Educational Day Out: Gain a practical understanding of basic physics, engineering, and design concepts through play and hands-on experimentation.
Design & Creativity: The museum celebrates the fusion of art and mechanics, providing an inspiring space for budding designers and engineers.
Central Location: Located on the famous Henley Street, just a short walk from other major local heritage attractions.

What to See

The Marble Run: A massive, multi-tiered marble machine that captures the imagination of kids and adults alike with its complex path and speed.
Kinetic Wall Art: Large-scale sculptures that use motors and gears to create mesmerizing, rhythmic movements that change constantly.
Mechanical Animals: Quirky, lifelike creatures crafted from metal and gears that move in surprisingly realistic ways.
Hands-on Building Stations: Dedicated areas where children can use various components to design their own mechanical structures.
Clockwork Masterpieces: Discover intricate, tiny machines that showcase the immense patience and skill required for precision mechanical art.

Facilities

Toilets: Standard facilities are available on-site.
Buggy Parking: Limited space available at the entrance; visitors are advised to use compact pushchairs if possible.
Refreshments: No café on-site, but numerous family-friendly cafes are located within a two-minute walk on Henley Street.
Accessibility: The museum is spread over two floors; please contact in advance regarding lift access for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Shop: A quirky gift shop featuring mechanical model kits, books, and small, fun desk gadgets.

Pro-Tips

Best Time to Visit: Mid-week mornings are generally quieter, allowing children more time to interact with the machines without waiting.
Booking Ahead: During school holidays, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online to ensure entry as capacity is limited.
Engage with Staff: The staff are incredibly knowledgeable; ask them about the artists behind your favourite machines to learn the stories behind the sculptures.
Watch the Time: It’s easy to spend longer than expected at the marble runs, so plan your next activity with a buffer.
Photography: You are welcome to take photos and videos of the machines in action for personal use.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is very welcoming, but because many of the machines have small, intricate moving parts, toddlers need close supervision to keep them and the exhibits safe.
How long does a visit take? Most families find that 1 to 2 hours is the perfect amount of time to fully engage with the kinetic sculptures and interactive building stations.
Where is the best place to park? There is no parking at the museum, but multiple public car parks are within a 5–10 minute walk; the "Bridgefoot" or "Leisure Centre" car parks are popular options.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love:

It is an excellent, engaging alternative to more traditional, "look-but-don't-touch" museums.
The interactive nature of the exhibits keeps children of varying ages entertained for a surprisingly long time.
The machines are genuinely fascinating, and parents often enjoy the artistry as much as the kids.
The central location makes it very easy to fit into a wider day trip to Stratford-upon-Avon.

What Visitors Don't Like:

The building can feel a bit small and crowded during peak weekend and holiday times.
Some of the more fragile mechanical pieces are strictly for watching, which can be frustrating for very young, hands-on toddlers.
Lack of on-site food and drink means you need to plan your lunch stops elsewhere in the town.

What to see

Detailed Inventory of Exhibits

Automata: Hand-cranked mechanical figures with complex sequences.
Large Marble Runs: Elaborate gravity-based systems that traverse the walls.
Kinetic Sand/Water Machines: Interactive displays using fluid motion and mechanical power.
Clockwork Animals: Small-scale creatures powered by springs and gears.
Design Prototypes: Experimental pieces showing the early development of moving art.
Optical Illusion Installations: Mechanical devices that create visual effects through speed and movement.
Gear Train Displays: Exposed mechanisms showing the interplay of various sized cogs.
Robotic Sculptures: Motorized figures that react to visitor input.
Sound Machines: Devices that produce unique, mechanical soundscapes.
Recycled Material Art: Sculptures creatively built from upcycled metal, plastic, and discarded machine parts.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Stratford-upon-Avon Town Centre: Explore the historic streets, local markets, and various independent shops surrounding the museum.
Shakespeare’s Birthplace: Just a few doors down, visit the historic site where the famous playwright was born.
River Avon: Take a relaxing stroll along the riverbanks or consider a boat trip through the town.
Stratford Butterfly Farm: A popular choice for families, located a short distance away near the recreation ground.
Royal Shakespeare Theatre: Enjoy a walk around the grounds or catch a family-friendly performance.

New for 2026: Mechanical Innovations

Automated Art Lab: A new space dedicated to rotating exhibitions of contemporary mechanical artists from around the world.
Youth Design Challenge: Monthly workshops where kids can build and test their own kinetic machines with guided expert support.
Interactive Digital Integration: Select exhibits now feature app-based controls, allowing visitors to manipulate movements directly from their smartphones.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £8.80.
Child (6–15yrs): £6.50.
Child 5yrs and under: FREE.
Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): £25.00.
Concession/Student: £7.50.
Extra child with a family ticket: £4.00.

Pricing URL: https://themadmuseum.co.uk/visiting-us/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Specialized birthday party slots include private access and a hands-on building workshop for kids. For availability and pricing, please email the team at info@themadmuseum.co.uk.

Daily Opening Times

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00.
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:30.

Seasonal Opening Times:
April – September

Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm.
Saturday & Holidays: 10:00am – 5:30pm.
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm.

October – March

Monday to Friday: 10:30am – 4:30pm.
Saturday & Holidays: 10:00am – 5:30pm.
Sunday: 10:00am – 5:00pm.

Address: The MAD Museum, Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 6PT, UK

Post Code: CV37 6PT

Council: Stratford-on-Avon

County: Warwickshire

Train: A 10–15 minute walk from Stratford-upon-Avon Railway Station.
Bus: Excellent local bus connections; the museum is a short walk from most central stops.
Car: Several public pay-and-display car parks are available in the town centre; follow signs for "Town Centre Parking."
Car Parking: The closest car park to MAD is Windsor Street multi-storey car park which is a 2 minute walk to the museum.