Praxinoscope – an animation machine for museums, exhibitions and workshops
A praxinoscope is an optical toy that uses a rotating drum and mirrors to create the illusion of movement. We developed ours as both an interactive exhibit and a teaching tool for drawn animation.
It is designed for continuous use in museums and interactive exhibitions, as well as for animation activities, school programmes and workshops for children and adults.
How does a praxinoscope work?
The praxinoscope uses a sequence of 12 animation frames. When the drum spins, the images are reflected in 12 mirrors, creating the illusion of smooth movement.
This makes the principle of animation easy to understand: participants can see how individual drawings come together to create movement.
What animations can be used in the praxinoscope?
We can supply the praxinoscope with a custom animation based on the exhibition theme, a specific story or the institution’s visual style. We can create one or more interchangeable animation sequences.
For long-term installations, the animations are printed on transparent PET-G film and placed on the outer drum made of clear acrylic. The film is durable and the animations can be easily changed.
You can also choose from our ready-made sequences created by professional animators.
How can the praxinoscope be used in education?
The praxinoscope can be used to teach drawn animation and as a workshop tool for both children and adults.
Participants draw their own sequence of 12 animation frames, place it in the praxinoscope and immediately see the result. This helps them understand how individual drawings come together to create smooth movement.
The animation strips are easy to change, allowing different groups to use the same machine and try both their own animations and our ready-made sequences.
What is the praxinoscope made of?
The praxinoscope is made from high-quality beech plywood and measures 400 mm in diameter. The outer drum is made from 5 mm clear acrylic.
The surface can be finished with a clear varnish to preserve the natural appearance of the wood, or painted in colours matching the client’s requirements and the exhibition design.
Its durable construction is designed for long-term daily use in museums, galleries and other public institutions.
Who is the praxinoscope for?
The praxinoscope is especially suitable for:
→ museums and galleries
→ interactive and touring exhibitions
→ science and visitor centres
→ schools, art schools and educational institutions
→ animation workshops and courses
→ festivals and public events
How does a 3D praxinoscope work?
In addition to a 2D praxinoscope for drawn animation, we also produce a 3D praxinoscope with wooden magnetic blocks.
The blocks can be arranged into 12 consecutive phases of movement. When the praxinoscope spins, the phases are reflected in the mirrors and merge into a smooth 3D animation.
Visitors can rearrange the blocks and create their own movements, actively creating the animation rather than simply watching it.
Can the design be customised?
The praxinoscope has a cylindrical base, with a height adapted to the installation space and visitors’ needs.
Customisable options:
→ base height
→ colour scheme
→ animation sequences
→ visual design matching the exhibition theme
→ 2D or 3D praxinoscope version
Can I rent a praxinoscope?
We custom-make praxinoscopes in our workshop in the Czech Republic for permanent and touring exhibitions. They can also be rented for festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other public events.
Interested in a praxinoscope? We’ll tailor its design and animation to your exhibition.