The House of Automata

The House of Automata is a unique interactive exhibition, shop and workshop, located in a beautiful old stables and dovecot near Kinloss Abbey. Automata are mechanical birds, clockwork figures and kinetic sculptures that can be brought to life at the press of a button.

See the magical drinking bear, singing birds in gilded cages and a 19th-century life-sized wonder, the beautiful Nancy with heaving chest and 12 lifelike movements. Push buttons and operate some of the best modern automata.

Enter a wonderland and lose yourself in the Micro Museum, a tiny world based on the Victorian Cabinet of Wonders, including a complete collection of working automata no bigger than your thumbnail.

The shop stocks a unique range of clockwork toys, unusual technology items and rare and amazing gifts for children and adults at all price levels.

In the Visible Workshop you can see craftsmen working on the restoration of automata using traditional tools and the secret methods of the Parisian artisans who made these figures come alive over 100 years ago.

Many of the automata have featured in film and on television, including Johnny Depp's Duck, Daniel Radcliffe's Monkeys and parts of Jude Law's automaton from "Hugo".

The House of Automata is a small and family-friendly business with a worldwide reputation. We are happy to demonstrate some of the rare antique pieces at special demonstrations and on request.

The House of Automata website has a fun gallery of automata which shows why we are one of the most distinctive visitor attractions in the world.

If you are visiting the area we can advise on the many nearby attractions, like Kinloss Abbey, the fabulous Findhorn Beach (6 miles of sand) as well as places to eat and visit when the sun is not shining.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 5pm, but please check the website or phone when travelling from afar.

Entry is free (donations welcome if you have fun).

The House of Automata
Kinloss, Forres
IV36 3TT
(at the sign of the moon by the petrol station)

Tel: 01309 691 212
http://automatomania.co.uk/