10 Things to Do at Musée des Automates in Nice, France
Located in the heart of Nice, France, the Musée des Automates is a unique and fascinating museum. This museum is home to an impressive collection of over 600 mechanical dolls, puppets, and automata from around the world. From the 18th century to the present day, the museum has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of engineering, or just looking for something different to do in Nice, the Musée des Automates is a must-see. Here are 10 things to do at the Musée des Automates in Nice, France.
1. Take a Tour of the Museum
The best way to explore the museum is to take a guided tour. Guided tours are available in English and French and last about one hour. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the museum and its collection, as well as the history of automata and mechanical dolls. You’ll also get to see some of the museum’s most impressive pieces, like the 18th-century Chinese dolls and the 19th-century French automata.
2. Watch a Show
The museum hosts regular shows featuring some of its most impressive pieces. During the show, you’ll get to see the dolls and automata come to life as they perform a variety of dances, songs, and skits. The shows are very popular and often sell out, so it’s best to book in advance.
3. Visit the Workshop
The museum also has a workshop where visitors can see how the dolls and automata are made. During the workshop, you’ll get to see the craftsmanship that goes into creating these amazing pieces. You’ll also get to see how the dolls and automata are operated and programmed.
4. Take a Trip Back in Time
The museum has a large collection of vintage dolls and automata from the 18th and 19th centuries. As you wander through the museum, you’ll get to see how dolls and automata were made in the past and how they’ve changed over time.
5. Learn About the History of Automata
The museum has an extensive library where visitors can learn more about the history of automata. The library has books, articles, and other resources about the history of the craft.
6. Explore the Exhibitions
The museum has a number of rotating exhibitions that showcase some of the most impressive pieces in the collection. The exhibitions often focus on a specific theme or era, so there’s always something new to see.
7. Take a Break in the Café
The museum has a café where visitors can take a break and grab a bite to eat. The café serves a variety of light snacks and drinks, including coffee, tea, and pastries.
8. Visit the Gift Shop
The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items related to the museum. The gift shop has a variety of items, including postcards, books, and dolls.
9. Attend a Special Event
The museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. From lectures to workshops to performances, there’s always something interesting going on.
10. Take a Trip to the Beach
The Musée des Automates is located just a few minutes away from the beach. After a day of exploring the museum, you can take a stroll along the beach or take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Musée des Automates is a unique and fascinating museum that has something for everyone. From guided tours to workshops to shows, there’s no shortage of things to do at the museum. So if you’re looking for something different to do in Nice, France, the Musée des Automates is the perfect place to visit.