​On January 18, 20, 21 the Exploratorium Museum of Science Art and Human Perception will host Israeli project 'Moving Toys Workshop' for three days of workshops at the Tinkering Studio area, as part of the 'Curious Contraption Show' winter exhibit.

Founded in 2009, Moving Toys Workshop is an original, Israeli educational project, specializing in hosting hands-on learning sessions for understanding mechanical motion. Using simple, everyday materials, Moving Toys Workshop stands out for its originality in demonstrating scientific principles through simple, artistic means.

The Exploratorium has been collaborating with Moving Toys Workshop since 2012. Over the course of three past artist residencies, (two of them became possible thanks to a generous help of SF Israeli Consulate), we have had the pleasure of witnessing first-hand the workshop’s playful teaching strategies, and expertise in the field of teaching mechanical motion.

At the heart of our winter holidays program, we exhibit The Curious Contraption Show. This special exhibition features charming mechanical sculptures known as automata. Their whimsical characters are brought to life by intricate arrangements of cams, cranks, and other simple mechanisms. Most of the automata on display are on loan from Cabaret Mechanical Theater, British advocates of this peculiar art form for more than 30 years.

As a finale for this show the Exploratorium will host Moving Toys Workshop for three workshops at The Tinkering Studio floor, to encourage visitors to investigate their own automata mechanisms.

January 18 - Thursday 6pm-9pm – workshop for adults
January 20 & 21 - Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm – workshop for families