Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de l'Automate was founded around the Roullet-Decamps collection, acquired by the State. This exceptional fund brings together nearly 3,000 objects tracing the history of automatons, mechanical toys and robots, from the mid-19th century to the present day. Set in the former cloister of Souillac Abbey (XII century), the museum features ancient automatons, animated scenes, and contemporary robots, providing a complete overview of the technical and artistic evolution of these creations.

The collection covers a period from the 19th century to the modern era, including mechanical toys, music automatons, androids and industrial robots. The museum is distinguished by its historical and playful approach, allowing visitors to discover rare pieces while exploring the mechanisms that animate them. Integration into a medieval architectural setting adds a unique heritage dimension, combining religious heritage and technical innovation.

Recognized as the largest European museum in its field, this institution benefits from the label Musée de France. Its location in Souillac, Lot, makes it a major cultural place in Occitanie. The accuracy of its location, however, remains approximate, with an official address located in the Abbey Square, in a building classified for its history and architecture.

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