La Halle de la Machine - Toulouse

Posted on Sunday, October 23, 2022 by Seb

La Halle de la Machine is a hall installed at Toulouse, in the ancient Aeropostale airport now reconverted as a fully reconstructed residential complex. This is one of the city workshops of La Compagnie de la Machine, a French performing arts company installed at Nantes making gigantic animated animal-like or mythic creatures machines for urban animations or live shows.

This Hall is what they call a “stable”, the machines are constructed in the workshop in Nantes and Toulouse’s Hall is an exhibit or their activities.

Three gigantic machines are present in Toulouse : the Minotaur, and two giant Spiders. When I was visiting the workshop, there was also in the background the body of Long Ma, a Chinese-inspired creature that was back from China to receive some maintenance job.

Visiting this Hall is like visiting a mad inventor’s lab, the amount of strange machines and device is just delirious.

The Minotaur, this is what they call an Urban Machine, made with a space on its back to receive people and take a tour in the neighborhood, mainly on the former aeropostale's airplane landing runway.
The Minotaur, this is what they call an Urban Machine, made with a space on its back to receive people and take a tour in the neighborhood, mainly on the former aeropostale's airplane landing runway. f/4 47mm 0.0125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 26.5mm 0.01s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
One of the two spiders. I wasn't very confortable in front of it… This is the one featured in the show set in China with Long Ma, the Dragon horse.
One of the two spiders. I wasn't very confortable in front of it… This is the one featured in the show set in China with Long Ma, the Dragon horse. f/4 42mm 0.008s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
The front of the spider. It has a lot of special effects, like water spitting, smoke, moving eyes, etc.
The front of the spider. It has a lot of special effects, like water spitting, smoke, moving eyes, etc. f/14 33mm 0.025s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
In front of the Hall, there is this squared Carrousel made with animated insects. Sadly, it wasn't running during my visit.
In front of the Hall, there is this squared Carrousel made with animated insects. Sadly, it wasn't running during my visit. f/4 24mm 0.0015625s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 37mm 0.003125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 37mm 0.00625s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 58mm 0.01s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 58mm 0.00125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 34.5mm 0.000625s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.003125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.00125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 25mm 0.00125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A selfie with Mr. Penguin ! I had to do it quick, it was starting raining...
A selfie with Mr. Penguin ! I had to do it quick, it was starting raining... f/18 24mm 0.016666666666666666s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.002s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 51mm 0.000625s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 70mm 0.002s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
When Long Ma came back from China, Toulouse organized an event with it.
When Long Ma came back from China, Toulouse organized an event with it. f/4 55mm 0.0005s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This is Long Ma's body. Long Ma has been ordered by a Chinese patron and has been constructed as a gift to celebrate the French-Chinese friendship. The Machine was supposed to be an urban attraction like the Minotaur or the Elephant at Nantes, but the Chinese city where it has been installed never used it, only during the inaugural show. Unused, Long Ma has returned to France for maintenance because of its inactivity.
This is Long Ma's body. Long Ma has been ordered by a Chinese patron and has been constructed as a gift to celebrate the French-Chinese friendship. The Machine was supposed to be an urban attraction like the Minotaur or the Elephant at Nantes, but the Chinese city where it has been installed never used it, only during the inaugural show. Unused, Long Ma has returned to France for maintenance because of its inactivity. f/4 70mm 0.001s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A girafe machine idea.
A girafe machine idea. f/4 24mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
An overview of the hall. In the back, you can see the second impressive spider. This one has been featured during a show in Nantes.
An overview of the hall. In the back, you can see the second impressive spider. This one has been featured during a show in Nantes. f/4 24mm 0.0125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A bear machine idea.
A bear machine idea. f/4 24mm 0.025s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 28.5mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
These wings were mounted on the Minautor during its inaugural show.
These wings were mounted on the Minautor during its inaugural show. f/4 32.5mm 0.004s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 28.5mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 27mm 0.016666666666666666s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A page flip machine.
A page flip machine. f/4 24mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 34mm 0.016666666666666666s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
An automated piano.
An automated piano. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 160 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This is one of the shows hosted by the Toulouse's Hall. Regularly, they organize Machine-theme dinners using a lot of very inspired devices and ways to serve the guests.
This is one of the shows hosted by the Toulouse's Hall. Regularly, they organize Machine-theme dinners using a lot of very inspired devices and ways to serve the guests. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
The glasses are attached to stands that may never fall.
The glasses are attached to stands that may never fall. f/4 24mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This is how you serve water.
This is how you serve water. f/4 24mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24.5mm 0.04s ISO 160 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
No, it's not what you may think :p This is a part of the dinner activity, this hanging device is for the waiters.
No, it's not what you may think :p This is a part of the dinner activity, this hanging device is for the waiters. f/4 30mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Long Ma's body sculpture.
Long Ma's body sculpture. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 360 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Every decoration are made in wood and manually sculpted. The details level is awesome.
Every decoration are made in wood and manually sculpted. The details level is awesome. f/4 25.5mm 0.04s ISO 320 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 70mm 0.0125s ISO 900 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 51mm 0.02s ISO 560 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022

La Machine’s machines are not robots. They’re gigantic animatronics driven by several people. It’s fully mechanics and hydraulics. For example, the Spider required twelve people to be operated … Yes : Twelve !

There is one person per leg, plus other persons to drive the various animations and other body parts. Also, a person has to drive the vehicle of which the machine is constructed. Unlike the machine’s frame which is specific, the vehicle is just a small mobile crane-like vehicle on which the machine has been constructed. The hydraulics systems are made to be easily repaired and their design is simple enough to avoid too much costly maintenance.

Come here by night, with the right lighting, and you will assuredly scream like you've never had to.
Come here by night, with the right lighting, and you will assuredly scream like you've never had to. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A small replica
A small replica f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 160 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A photo made during Long Ma's show in China.
A photo made during Long Ma's show in China. f/4 34.5mm 0.004s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A very strange creature.
A very strange creature. f/4 31.5mm 0.016666666666666666s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 34.5mm 0.02s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This is a rope articulated human body machine idea.
This is a rope articulated human body machine idea. f/4 24mm 0.016666666666666666s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Long Ma's urban mode, with a pagoda on its back to receive people.
Long Ma's urban mode, with a pagoda on its back to receive people. f/4 24mm 0.01s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Still from the dinner show, a bread catapult. Yep.
Still from the dinner show, a bread catapult. Yep. f/4 33mm 0.025s ISO 250 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
An alternate version of the Minotaur, the Centaur.
An alternate version of the Minotaur, the Centaur. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 180 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 125 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 220 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
If I remember well, that's Long Ma's tong.
If I remember well, that's Long Ma's tong. f/4 42mm 0.00625s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Long Ma's photos in China.
Long Ma's photos in China. f/4 24mm 0.025s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A Machine orchestra, made with salvaged parts. The music is ... Special.
A Machine orchestra, made with salvaged parts. The music is ... Special. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 400 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A musical saw machine.
A musical saw machine. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
And an automated keyboard.
And an automated keyboard. f/4 43mm 0.02s ISO 320 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
A copper instruments orchestra.
A copper instruments orchestra. f/4 39mm 0.005s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This guitar wheel is playing a beautiful melody which is always the same, but as the rotation is slowing down, you think it's different. I tried to record a video, but I've noticed far later that I've forgot to enable my camera's mic...
This guitar wheel is playing a beautiful melody which is always the same, but as the rotation is slowing down, you think it's different. I tried to record a video, but I've noticed far later that I've forgot to enable my camera's mic... f/4 49mm 0.0125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
The jumping guy is the composer of the machine orchestra.
The jumping guy is the composer of the machine orchestra. f/4 24mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Some fair activities
Some fair activities f/4 30mm 0.025s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 180 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 26mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 37mm 0.025s ISO 450 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 44mm 0.02s ISO 360 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
This machine was made with car's honks ! I think the noise must be terrible, they didn't activated it. Fortunately.
This machine was made with car's honks ! I think the noise must be terrible, they didn't activated it. Fortunately. f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 360 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.04s ISO 200 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
Some last overview.
Some last overview. f/4 24mm 0.0125s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022
f/4 24mm 0.03333333333333333s ISO 100 NIKON Z 5 Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S       Seb - September 29, 2022