Decided to come by here spontaneously one afternoon and it was certainly worth the trip! The museum is not very large and can probably be seen in an half an hour to an hour. They also have shop tours three times a day (which I missed, unfortunately). All of the engines are fully functional and the other miniatures are all beautiful. Many are from local artisans. All of the docents were very enthusiastic and helpful. I've attached a few pictures, but they don't capture the full scope of the museum. I highly recommend this place - whether you're a tourist or a local. Overall the pros are that it's an interesting local museum, very nice staff, and a cool, free thing to do around Carlsbad. The only con is that the location is a bit unexpected (it's in an office park area) but parking was really easy for us and there are signs on the road. read more

See all

A great place to check out. Love the miniature doll houses and creations. My son loved the model airplanes, trains and automobiles. The docents are passionate about their museum and will gladly take the time to explain exhibits and share their knowledge. read more

So interesting, great experience, convenient and great for families. Highly recommend. A lot to see and displays are set up so easy for everyone to see details. read more

Fantastic place to go by yourself or to bring your family. Really great appreciation for the talent that these hobbyists have. I was extremely surprised as to how much I enjoyed it. read more

You have to see this collection to believe it!! Unbelievable and amazing! Wow. The staff is very informative and even did some demos for us on a couple of the displays. The variety was much more extensive than expected and the quality was just--as stated--unbelievable!! Probably not something for the little ones but preteens and older I'd think you appreciate what's on display. I also enjoyed reading about the founder's family history and their personal dedication to this museum! read more

Loved this off the beaten track museum. For the folks that work there, it's a labor of love. They take the time and are happy to share their knowledge. Don't miss the demonstration at2:00 read more

Wonderful staff. Be sure to take a tour. And before you leave ask for a demo of the solar powered sterling engine. Right now there is a display of some really elaborate doll houses - not to be missed. read more

Pretty interesting, really impressive craftsmanship. Would've been five stars but it needed more buttons / things I could touch.

Very interested place. The people working there were very informative and explained the history behind some of the exhibits. Even though some of the items are minature, they have a lot of detail and, they do work! read more

A hidden gem, not to be missed! Minatures and models of all kinds of things from airplanes to Notre Dame Cathedral to a tiny Colt .45 revolver. Don't just stroll through on your own, or you'll miss the best part. Mike Sheehy showed us the exhibits, turning on motors and engines, explaining the secrets behind the art. The works are by the best minature makers in the world. Only the top prize-winners' works are on display. We came on a Tuesday; Wednesdays through Saturdays, master craftsmen come from all over to demonstrate their skills and to collaborate on projects. We're definitely coming back. This place is fascinating, and Mike really makes it so. Don't worry if you're not a techie; watching the tiny engines and gears move is beautiful to see. read more

This is such a little known jewel of a place in North County. I learned the difference between miniatures and models. Miniatures are WORKING items. Models are just that - a static representation of something. They have both there. From a room of doll houses, steam engines galore, planes and their engines, miniature cars and engines, boat/ship engines/motors, miniature arms (yes, teeny, tiny guns, muskets, gatlin guns, cannons), a pair of miniature handcuffs - with the tiniest key! Matchstick sculptures that are amazingly accurate in their depiction of well known landmarks. The docents are friendly and quite knowledgeable. There is something to amaze everyone there. Mr. Park's airplanes were stunning! Amazing talent to bring that to fruition. I was especially smitten by the Elgin Park exhibit area. Would love to see some of the actual dioramas that Michael Paul Smith has created. I also liked the wee sized car that is GAS powered. The tiny thing wasn't much bigger than a quarter! So, if you have an hour or so to spare - head to this amazing little museum. Its FREE. Check the hours though, so you won't be disappointed. And if you can't make it in person - check out their on-line museum. You will be amazed at all you see there. read more

Great museum for any engineer, craftsman, maker, hobbyist, builder, artist, etc. It would be nice to see more exhibits on techniques and processes, and more educational and historical exhibits but this is definitely a good start and well worth a trip! read more

We were visiting our son in La Jolla and ended up in Carlsbad and we were looking for something to do and I found this place on Yelp. My husband is a pilot so he loves things like motors and engineered things. Wow was he happy when we walked in. This place is amazing. The craftsmanship of the items on display was amazing. I was even impressed! We ended up there just in time for a visit to the engineer shop in the back where they fired up a miniature engine. How cool was that! Admission is free but they take donations. We are still talking about this place. We will be back. read more

I've been to a lot of museums all around the world and this one ranks up there right at the top. The exhibits are well displayed and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They have several demonstrations scheduled throughout the day of miniature engines that were just amazing. They even have a working "Do nothing machine," which is quite the head scratcher. It's a place you must bring your child if they love to play with Lego or an erector set. Just go already would you. read more

Motorhead's Dream! The demonstration of miniature engines was fascinating. We spent 1.5 hours looking at precision models.

So cool! Don't miss out on this! You can see the whole museum in an hr if you're not too long at each model/exhibit. They have a dollhouse section, ships, planes, cars, engines you name it! Very cool! It's free and everyone is friendly. Free parking. read more

For those armchair enthusiasts, this place was a boy's dream come true.

outstanding place to see examples of the finest model making of every kind. come with the kids and entertain them. come alone and chat for hours with the friendly informative staff. one of san diego's best kept secrets. read more

This was a TON of fun. If you're into nerdy engineering things like me and my husband, definitely check it out! It's free, which is great, and they have just about everything. Anything you're interested in machine wise, chances are there is a miniature of it!!!! read more

Visited this museum a few years ago with the San Diego Antique Motorcycle Club and got to hear the miniature V8 start up. An informative, excellent museum full of the creative efforts of hundreds of talented craftsmen and women. Just stunning, and well worth your time! read more

Wow, what an incredible place to visit! The craftsmanship is so detailed and beautiful. Definitely take the workroom tour. The docents are so friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Great museum for the engineer and mechanical minded, kids, women, and the whole family. So much to see, we will definitely be back. read more

Absolutely loved this place ! My family had a great time ! Not only did they have miniature cars, boats, motels they all function . I mean they run just like the full sized models! Pistons, rings every part of the engine in miniature. The museum is great for kids and adults and 3 times a day they have demos! read more

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff who are incredibly passionate about craftsmanship. The detail on the display items were absolutely mind-blowing! read more

This place is really impressive. Even if you are not a technical geek, the models are terrific and cover everything from cars, boats, airplanes, construction equipment, and doll houses. This is a good place to bring older children as they can learn a lot about how things work. The craftsmanship is superior to anything I have ever seen. read more

Fantastic place to drop in and visit. If you have an engineering back ground you can easily spend all day here

This place is simply amazing. There are so many interesting things to see and the staff is very helpful. I highly recommend a visit for anyone but especially if you have a background in engineering. read more

Free museum! This place was really cool. They guys that worked they really knew there stuff and we're passionate about it. They made the information fun and interesting. They have great displays! If you want something relaxing and free to do then go to this museum. read more

Unbelieveably fascinating museum! It is hard to fathom that these miniatures work and each are hand-crafted! There are all kinds of motors, tiny guns, steam engines, doll houses, you name it. My husband and I spent more than four hours browsing their collection. Docents were plentiful, very knowledgeable, and a lot of fun. It was great fun! read more

This museum is a gem, a hidden treasure that has so many great items that it deserves several visits. The lay out makes all items easy to view. The museum staff clearly loves their vocation and their collections, and are available for any and all questions. The curating of the museum includes wonderful stories about the different contributions from the craftsmen who made this collection possible. I will be back! read more

Fabulous! Free! This museum features miniature works by master craftsmen. Miniature engines (all run), planes, boats, race cars and much more. They also have a shop where there masters build projects. A MUST see. read more

stopped by to check it out. Employees were very friendly, and showed us around. cool stuff, kids had fun.

Really cool place , very educational. The 3D printer was the best part of my experience, and it was free ! Highly recommend

This was a delightful hidden establishment to visit while we were out here on vacation. The size of the collection of engineered miniatures is staggering, including engines, cars, planes, a carousel, and so on. The volunteers were incredibly kind and knowledgeable about the collection. The current special collection is focused around doll houses and intricate miniature furniture. The demo is a must see! Overall, it was well worth the trip out and I'd recommend anyone to visit, especially if you've got older children. read more