FAQs - The Mechanical Art & Design Museum

When are you open?

What are your Christmas opening hours?

Please click here to see our festive opening hours.

Do I qualify for a concessionary ticket?

Concessionary tickets are available to young adults (13-18yrs), adults over 60, carers, those in the armed forces, NHS workers, students and the unemployed. We might ask for proof on entry to the museum so make sure you have your ID card.

How long do visits to the museum usually take?

The average visiting time is approximately 1 – 1.5 hours. Due to the COVID situation, we can only admit customers who are waiting into the museum when it is safe to do so, in terms of the numbers of people already present. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate it if you could please keep an eye on the time that you have already spent in MAD and try to keep your visit to a reasonable length. This will allow everyone, including those waiting to be admitted, to enjoy the museum. If a situation arises where the museum is deemed to be at risk of over crowding, we may ask you to restrict the length of your visit. Thank you for understanding.

Can I leave the museum, pop out for some lunch and then come back?

Under ordinary circumstances we have always allowed our visitors to do this, however unfortunately we can no longer allow this due to the ongoing COVID19 situation. We’re really sorry!

Can I take photos?

Yes, you can take as many photos and videos as you like.

Do you have toilet facilities?

The museum does have toilets. These are located in the far left hand-corner of the museum (look for the white walls). During the Coronavirus pandemic please note that we are opening the disabled toilet only, this is available for all visitors to use.

Is there somewhere to leave coats and bags?

The museum has limited storage space but we will do what we can.

Can I bring my dog?

We welcome guide dogs but pets and other animals are not permitted in The MAD Museum.

Do you have wheelchair access?

Yes, we have a lift, wheelchair access throughout the museum and disabled toilets. Click here for more Accessibility information

Does The MAD Museum cater for special needs?

Our members of staff are experienced in caring across a broad spectrum of abilities. The museum is also guide dog friendly. Please get in touch to find out more. Find out more here.

Is there somewhere to park the coach close by?

There are lots of places to park in Stratford upon Avon. The closest ones to The MAD Museum are the Windsor Street multi-storey car park and drop off/pick up Coach Park, which is a 2 minute walk to the museum. Rother Street multi-storey car park and Bridgefoot multi-storey car park is also close by. Disabled parking for blue badge holders is permitted at these of these listed car parks.

Is there somewhere close by we can eat?

For preservation reasons, it is very important not to eat or drink anywhere in the museum. We don’t have any in-house facilities but the museum is based right in the heart of the town, so there are plenty of places to eat and drink close by. It is also a 5 minute walk to a nice picnic area next to the River Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Have you always been located on Henley Street?

No, The MAD Museum was first opened on Sheep Street in Stratford upon Avon in March 2012. 19 months later, we moved premises, 5 minutes down the road to Henley Street (CV37 6PT). The museum is now located in the town centre, a few yards away from Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Information about our Old Location

Can I drop the kids off at MAD and pick them up in an hour?

No, due to the very nature of MAD being mechanical, it is essential that children under the age of 16 are accompanied at all times by a supervising adult. We have the right to refuse admission to visitors with insufficient supervision.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes we do, please check out our discounts page for more information.

Do you offer educational activities?

We offer Key Stage 1-4 work packs and answer packs for teachers. Please ask a member of staff at the museum’s reception desk for more information about this. Educational trips to MAD

Do you offer work experience?

Unfortunately due to the size of the museum we do not offer work experience.