This summer, Circus of Curiosities brings a cast of mechanical marvels to the American Museum & Gardens, celebrating the joy, ingenuity and quiet wonder of interactive art. Words by Dara Foley.
There’s something simple and enchanting about objects that are operated by hand. Not the slick, incomprehensible science of modern machines, but the gentle whirr of gears, pulleys, a satisfying turn of a handle, and the magical moment of joy as a figure springs into life. This summer, the American Museum & Gardens invites visitors to rediscover that delight with Circus of Curiosities: An Exhibition of Moving Marvels – a show that promises charm, ingenuity and a wondersome exploration of creative play.
Opening on 4 July and running through to early 2027, this highly acclaimed touring exhibition from the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre brings together 25 automata: intricate, hand-crafted mechanical sculptures that blend art, engineering and storytelling.
Automata, for the uninitiated, are nothing new. Their origins are centuries old, delighting audiences with simple ingenuity long before the industrial revolution and our digital age. Yet what makes Circus of Curiosities feel so appealing is its contemporary staging. These are not delicate relics in glass cabinets, but are real hand-made creations – they’re not activated by touch-screens or sensors, but by the hand of the curious visitor who is actively encouraged to pull a lever or turn a crank, then behold, a miniature scene springs into action: whimsical and witty, with surprising interactive moments.
The exhibition takes its cue from the spectacle of the circus – a world already rich with wonder and narrative. Here, striped big tops and playful performers are reimagined in miniature form, each piece offering its own self-contained story. Some provoke laughter, others more macabre fascination, but all share the same sense of creativity and craftsmanship that rewards the operator when activated. You begin to notice the tiny details: the precision of a carefully shaped cam, the rhythm of a lever, the personality of a painted wooden character no bigger than your thumb.
Lucy Littlewood, Director of the American Museum & Gardens, captures this sense of wonder, “Circus of Curiosities: An exhibition of Moving Marvels is a joyful celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. These remarkable moving sculptures capture the imagination in such a simple, magical way. We’re delighted to bring this exhibition to Bath and to share the wonder of automata with our visitors this summer and beyond. We hope it inspires curiosity, creativity and a sense of play in visitors of all ages.”
That emphasis on simplicity is key. In an era defined by the mystery of complex mechanics, there is something so satisfying about seeing how something works – and yet still being mesmerised by it. The mechanism of each automaton is openly visible, inviting visitors not just to observe, but to be actively engaged and to understand the workings.
“Automata have a unique power to delight and disarm – there is something genuinely magical about watching a handcrafted figure spring into life at the touch of a button.”
Sarah Alexander, Director, Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
The Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, which developed and tours the exhibition, has spent more than four decades championing this very idea. Bringing together artists who combine engineering skill with narrative flair, the organisation has built an international reputation for kinetic artworks that delight as much as they intrigue. Their pieces often carry a gentle humour – a knowing wink to remind us not to take things too seriously. The Theatre’s Director Sarah Alexander explains, “Automata have a unique power to delight and disarm – there is something genuinely magical about watching a handcrafted figure spring into life at the touch of a button. This exhibition brings together some of the most gifted mechanical artists working today, and I am thrilled to share their work with visitors at such a wonderful venue. I hope it sparks wonder, and perhaps the urge to start making something of your own.”
Beyond the spectacle, Circus of Curiosities is, at its heart, about invention – about the joy of creating something tangible, playful and expressive. To that end, the exhibition extends beyond its displays. A dedicated creative play area invites younger visitors to experiment, build and explore – although there’ll be plenty of grown-ups having a go too. It’s an opportunity to move from observer to maker, to understand the principles behind the magic and perhaps even attempt a little of it yourself.
For families, this hands-on element is likely to be a highlight, offering a space where curiosity is encouraged and celebrated. Yet the exhibition never feels exclusively child-focused; its appeal is deliberately broad. There is a quiet sophistication to many of the pieces, a level of artistry that will resonate equally strongly with adult audiences.
What makes Circus of Curiosities so compelling is its ability to operate on many levels. On the surface, it’s a joyful and accessible exhibition – colourful, interactive and thoroughly engaging. But linger a little longer and it reveals something deeper: a contemplation on movement, invention and the ever-lasting appeal of making something wonderful by hand.
In a world that often feels fast-paced and intangible, there is a quiet pleasure in slowing down, turning a handle and watching a small mechanical world come to life. It’s a reminder that wonder need not be complicated – sometimes, it simply requires a little curiosity.
Of course, no visit to the American Museum & Gardens is complete without stepping outside. The exhibition coincides with the height of summer, when the museum’s 125 acres of gardens and parkland are at their most inviting. The New American Garden – with its sweeping grasses and perennial planting – provides plenty of space for outdoor fun – a welcome balance to the intricate detail of the automata, while the breathtaking views across the Limpley Stoke Valley are always spectacular.
The opening weekend promises to be particularly lively. A Summer Party on 4 July will mark both the launch of the exhibition and Independence Day, forming part of the museum’s wider America 250 programme. Visitors can enjoy live music, lawn games, children’s circus activities and suitably themed food and drink – echoing the playful spirit of the exhibition. In the evenings, a series of concerts (3–5 July) will celebrate American culture with a focus on jazz, adding another element to the experience.
Circus of Curiosities: An exhibition of Moving Marvels runs from 4 July – 3 January 2027 at the American Museum and Gardens.; Visit: americanmuseum.org