The Lost Gypsy is an automata gallery and theatre experience created by the New Zealand artist Blair Somerville. This is it. The Theatre of Winding Thoughts. This museum is a dedication to tinkering, and houses Blair’s masterpieces. Walk through the gate, wander up the path and find three converted water tanks filled with numerous ready-to-be-played-with automata. No visit to the Lost Gypsy is complete without seeing its main attraction. It’ll be the best thing to remember on your Catlins trip.

What’s the best way to experience The Lost Gypsy Gallery in Otago?

If you want to have a feel of the place, start with the Gallery (in the bus) which is free admission. Have a play with the smaller automata art there. Then, buy your tickets to the Theatre ($8) and walk up to see the good stuff.

This is a place you could have never imagined to exist- and will never see alike. Here, at the far end of the world, artist Blair Somerville has dedicated his life into an ever-growing tinkering oasis. All he touches turns into art, and you’ll run out of ears and eyes to capture his inventions. In here, creativity is seeping out of every nook and cranny.

  • Open every day from 10am to 5pm except Wednesday
  • Gallery in the bus is free, admission to theatre is NZ$8.
  • Check out the fascinating video below about the gallery and Blair Somerville!