Hotels near the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre

The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, home to a unique exhibition of Kinemats (kinetic sculptures), is the extraordinary home of these tiny carved figures and pieces of scrap which dance to haunting music and synchronised lighting, as machinery and shadows come alive.

The enchanting drama of Sharmanka (meaning barrel-organ) originated in St Petersburg and began in Russia in 1988, as a result of the collaboration between the sculptor/mechanic Edward Bersudsky and the theatrical critic and director Tatiana Jakovskaya. However, increasing economic depression and the withdrawal of local authorities' support for art meant the exhibition eventually had to leave Russia in 1993, when it found its way to Glasgow.

Labelled by The Sunday Times as "Bizarre, hilarious, ghoulish...unmissable," the magical show is growing in size and popularity, undertaking commissions and exhibiting both in Europe and the USA. New kinemats are added every year.