Explore the World of Automata at the Fleet Science Center With Mechanics Alive
The Whimsical and Thought-Provoking Exhibition Opens Saturday, October 9.
September 14, 2021
San Diego, CA—The Fleet Science Center is pleased to announce the opening of Mechanics Alive, featuring exhibits from the Cabaret Mechanical Theater. The engaging traveling exhibition gives visitors an up‐close look at a collection of wonderful automata.
As visitors enter the curious world of Mechanics Alive, they are delighted with a fun-filled, interactive experience that combines science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). This exhibition explores small, surreal worlds through fantastical and amusing mechanical sculptures known as automata.
Mechanics Alive is a visually stunning and playful experience where guests can marvel at humorous and thought-provoking automata that come to life at the push of a button or pull of a lever. Like complex mechanical toys, these whimsical machines are brought to life by intricate arrangements of handmade cams, gears, cranks and other basic mechanical elements. The exposed inner workings of these creations reveal how each piece comes to life.
In addition to the collection of automata, visitors can learn about the artists who made the pieces and the revival of this inspiring art form. Artists include Matt Smith, Keith Newstead, Carlos Zapata, Paul Spooner and Ron Fuller.
"Mechanics Alive is a great opportunity that brings art and science together in an engaging and unique way," said Paul Siboroski, Exhibits Director at the Fleet Science Center."The artists' pieces on display are funny, whimsical and you can actually see how the mechanics work. I bet everyone will pick a favorite."
In conjunction with this exhibition, exciting workshops and other opportunities to explore the world of automata will be available in Studio X, the makerspace at the Fleet Science Center.
Mechanics Alive opens October 9, 2021, at the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park and will be on view through January 17, 2022. This exhibition is included with regular admission to the Fleet Science Center.
Mechanics Alive is powered by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, London, and is presented at the Fleet Science Center through the generous support of the City of San Diego.
For more information, visit www.fleetscience.org/exhibitions/mechanics-alive.
About Cabaret Mechanical Theatre
The Cabaret Mechanical Theatre (CMT) was formed in 1979 by Sue Jackson as a small general craft shop located in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Working with local artists, CMT specialized in creating hand‐made automata that sold to the general public. Due to the shop’s huge success, CMT moved its premises to London in 1984, where it soon established an international reputation for the quality and uniqueness of its product. Jackson's daughter, Sarah Alexander, has continued to evolve the company, and CMT now focuses on designing and developing temporary and permanent automata exhibitions. CMT’s exhibitions have toured for over 20 years, entertaining and engaging audiences across the world. For more information, visit cabaret.co.uk.
###
About the Fleet Science Center:
The Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet--and beyond--in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. For young science enthusiasts, the Fleet offers science workshops both at the Fleet and at schools throughout San Diego County. For adults, we offer events like Suds & Science and Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar™ at locations all over San Diego. We support communities by leveraging science resources to meet local needs. Teachers are encouraged to join our Teacher Partner Program and take advantage of our professional development opportunities. Additionally, at the Fleet Science Center, visitors will find unique educational toys and games, books, IMAX DVDs and more in the North Star Science Store, and pizzas, sandwiches, salads and healthy treats in our Craveology cafe. Located in Balboa Park, at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Blvd., the Fleet is San Diego's science center. Science starts here and opens a world of possibility. For information regarding current admission prices, visit our website at fleetscience.org.
About Balboa Park:
Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urbancultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.
