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You are here > Home > What's On > Movement: The Magic of the Silver Swan - The Bowes Museum

Movement: The Magic of the Silver Swan - The Bowes Museum

From £0.00
The Bowes Museum
Newgate
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8NP

Tel: +44 01833 690606

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Add Movement: The Magic of the Silver Swan - The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

Image of the SIlver Swan on display at The Bowes Museum.

About

The Silver Swan is considered one of The Bowes Museum's most iconic objects. A rare, surviving example of 18th century automata, it moves its head and beak as it 'swims' alongside a shoal of fish in glassy water. This almost magical ability to move so realistically is the work of the renowned inventor and clockmaker John Joseph Merlin (b.1735). The Magic of the Silver Swan introduces Merlin and his world of mechanical invention alongside key pieces from the historical to the contemporary. Celebrating automata, moving objects and kinetic artworks by artists, makers, designers and inventors, this exhibition explores our enduring fascination with mechanical devices and the beauty and artistry that can be found through, and in technology.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Day Ticket£18.00 per person per day
Day Ticket with Gift Aid£19.80 per person per day
Local Membership£13.50 per ticket type
Membership£15.50 per ticket type
Under 18s, Students and CarersFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Opening Times

Season (8 July 2023 - 7 Jan 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00

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