Musée des Automates de Falaise — Attraction in Caen

Quite a bit of it seemed to not be working and there are some rather racially dubious exhibits. I’d say the whole thing needs a judicious edit as some of the depictions of ethnic groups could well be seen as offensive by some. It certainly made us a bit uncomfortable.

I understand that it was created in the 1930s. But we are no longer in the 30s. Just showing things which could be offensive, using the excuse of “It’s history” is not good enough. Left a sour taste in my mouth as I thought these sorts of caricatures of black and tribal peoples had long gone.

It would appear not. And it’s really not something to celebrate in a Museum, which offers little context or explanation.

So if you find Golly/Black and White Minstrel style grotesques offensive. Then this place is...

Not immediately polished, this museum has loving detail lavished inside just as an introductory film begins with

Inside is an in depth examination through displays (rather than text) of the evolution of this families toy and display making from the 1860s to 1940s

Make sure you find the small staircase to explore extra displays that appear hidden away

Attached is a gallery, that during our visit was dedicated to the art of Uderzo and artists born in Falaise exploring art in pencil with pen and in oil too

All in all our family group visited for very little in money at all and all left very pleased indeed, a definite...

A very cute museum. If you dive into the history it is actually a very interesting museum. Very kid friendly way of showing how kids and adults were entertained by automatons trough the decades. The starting movie is entertaining and educational. Some puppets might look a little scary for the youngest viewers. The museum itself doesn't take that long. But is definitely...