Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM)
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM)
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum (MECM)
5
About
The museum features wood and metalworking craftsmanship at the small end of the size scale. Exhibits include running internal and external combustion engines, model ships, aircraft and autos, tools, clocks, jewelry, guns and dollhouses. Small Engines are run in our most Thursdays and Fridays at 11am and 2pm based on staff availability. Admission is FREE; donations gladly accepted. The museum is sponsored by the non-profit Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
214 reviews
Excellent
181
Very good
32
Average
1
Poor
0
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0
Sylvia
San Diego, CA44 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a hidden gem located in an industrial park in Carlsbad. What you will see in miniature is truly a labor of love from craftsmen who are masters in their art. The works displayed here are just awesome and a definite "must see" .Entrance is free.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MMOR6408
Saint Paul, MN4 contributions
Sept 2022
This place is really cool.
I would not have the time or patient to do this kind of work. So it's fun to see thing from people who do have the patient.
We purchased a spinner after seeing the free demo and that money goes back to support the museum.
I would not have the time or patient to do this kind of work. So it's fun to see thing from people who do have the patient.
We purchased a spinner after seeing the free demo and that money goes back to support the museum.
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Z
Chino, CA2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
When we get excited about the future technology, it's easy to forget how much time and effort people have put in to lay the foundation of today's technology. When I visited the museum, I felt nothing but appreciation and admiration of people's dedication to spend lifetime to build some masterpieces. This is a must go place!
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TooMuch2Do
Laguna Niguel, CA471 contributions
Jan 2022
The Craftsmanship Museum houses dozens of miniature motors and models lovingly created by hobbyists. Docents can make some of them operate and answer any question you may have; sometimes they came by and offered interesting tidbits of information. Even if you are not into motors and machines, there are detailed write ups about the makers and their lives that I found fascinating. There is also a display of intricate miniatures in doll houses and scenes. Everything was in excellent working order, sparkling clean, and very well organized and documented. Well worth the price of admission (free) and one to two hours of your time.
Written 15 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
urbanguy
Richmond, VA5,008 contributions
Apr 2022
I was very pleased to see that, currently, this is the #1 ranked "thing to do" in Carlsbad. If you're in the area, it's a "MUST."
There is something here for everyone, young and old, alike. Miniature merry-go-rounds that work, boats/ships, airplanes, cars, wooden "everything," engines, creations with matchsticks, doll houses, and even more. The engines work! The volunteers will turn on the engines for you. What these artisans have done with wood and metal is quite amazing.
A not of "warning:" they are only open several days a week. But, when they are, this amazing place is free!
There is something here for everyone, young and old, alike. Miniature merry-go-rounds that work, boats/ships, airplanes, cars, wooden "everything," engines, creations with matchsticks, doll houses, and even more. The engines work! The volunteers will turn on the engines for you. What these artisans have done with wood and metal is quite amazing.
A not of "warning:" they are only open several days a week. But, when they are, this amazing place is free!
Written 9 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra B
San Marcos, CA34 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
My friends and I went to this museum today and were just amazed at the wonderful machinery, miniature ships, cars, planes, merry-go-rounds, doll houses and various other miniatures at this museum. All three of us have lived in the area for a greater part of our lives and had no idea that this fantastic place was here. It is in an industrial section of Carlsbad but easy to find once you look at their website directions. We will definitely come back and will make sure our friends know about it. You will not be disappointed. It is also free to see but donations are much appreciated. The gentlemen who greet you are also very, very informative about the items. When in the area, make sure to seek out this hidden gem.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda W
5 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
What an amazing museum!!! We stayed there over 2 hours. I loved the miniature doll houses, airplanes, and Navy ships ♥️ and my husband looked at every type of engine and power transmissions (yawn). All the volunteers working the museum were very knowledgeable and fun to talk with. A few of the exhibits are motorized for an animation type experience. Please go, you will not be disappointed.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen N
Saint Paul, MN5 contributions
Dec 2022
Today was our second time at the miniature museum. The museum is laid out so well. It was neatly organized. The skill and workmanship that is displayed phenomenal! The music box display is unbelievable. The White House exhibit is beyond anything we have ever seen. If you are interested in any type of mechanical miniatures, I guarantee you will be glad you stopped here. Admission is free, which itself is a gift to the public,
Written 3 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Confido13
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
I took my children (boy 8 and girl 6) who both loved it, but it was also fascinating for adults and there is something for everyone. Ornate doll houses, matchstick models, fully functioning miniature cars, boats, planes and steam engines, two small scale Gatling guns, etc, etc. There was a really friendly and knowledgeable docent who showed us some of his favourites. And the whole thing runs on voluntary donations! What a place.
Note: Apple Maps directs you to an adjacent office building and the outside of the museum is hard to spot. Don't give up - it's there!
Note: Apple Maps directs you to an adjacent office building and the outside of the museum is hard to spot. Don't give up - it's there!
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StigJim
Alliance, OH703 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This museum far exceeded our expectations as written descriptions fail to do it justice. The collection is diverse and amazing and the docents are very friendly and informative. The displays are well laid out and enable the visitor to see miniature engineering marvels that you simply can’t find on display anywhere else. A must-visit attraction for anyone visiting the area!
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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