The Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the world's finest museums focused on puppetry as an art form. You will get to see how these art pieces are made and enjoy some fantastic live performances tailored for all the family.

Since 1978, this art space has been educating and entertaining people of all ages. It hosts more than 600 live shows a year, taking the art of puppet making into the 21st century.

Puppetry has been an art form for centuries. But in the 20th century, artists in America took puppetry to a level unseen before on shows such as Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street and The Muppets.

Jim Henson was the creator of the world-famous TV show The Muppets that had been on air since 1955. His genius is also behind the popular 1980s family movie Dark Crystal. This puppet museum has exhibits of all of Henson’s most loved creations, including the iconic Kermit the Frog.

Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta - one of the highlights of 10 Best Family Things to Do in Atlanta (Read all about Atlanta here)

photo by SummersSolutions (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

What are the highlights of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta?

Exhibits and performances at the museum are tailored to different age groups. Some shows and events, such as Puppet Playdate, are focused on small children between 4 and 8 years old. Other events are more adult-themed, which are better suited to teenagers and adults. The Age of Resistance is a regular show based on Dark Crystal.

Performances inspired by classic fairy tales are a regular occurrence at The Center for Puppetry Arts. You might see an updated version of The Ugly Duckling or a classic Punch and Judy show.

Children will love seeing the puppet shows, which are performed by skilled artists. But adults can also enjoy learning about the level of detail it takes to create something seemingly so simple. For fans of theater, you can see how the puppets were produced for the Broadway hit, The Lion King.

During a visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, you’ll get to see a show before heading to the production room to make puppets of your own with unique details chosen from a range of pieces.

photo by Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0) modified

Good to know about the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta

The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta has a whole section dedicated to puppets sourced from all around the world. If you are traveling from overseas, this area is sure to delight you as reproductions of many famous puppets can be found here.

Throughout summer, the Center for Puppetry Arts hosts workshops for anyone interested in learning more about the art of puppet making and performing. Workshops are open to children and adults, with a full season guide available on their website.

photo by Jeremy Thompson (CC BY 2.0) modified

Where is the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta?

You can find the Center for Puppetry Arts on Spring Street in Midtown Atlanta. If you are using public transportation to get around Atlanta, take the train to the Arts Center MARTA Station. The puppetry museum is a short 5-minute walk from the subway station. The whole area is designed for bicycles, with clearly marked cycling lanes.

Other interesting attractions in this area of Midtown include prominent galleries and museums. A particular highlight is Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, which houses work by some of the greats from the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

For even more exploration, do keep an eye out for Millennium Gate Museum and Bodies, The Exhibition which takes a scientific look into the human body. Piedmont Park is also close by, so you’ll have plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta

Location: 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA

Open: Thursday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm (closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)

Phone: +1 404-873-3391

Paul Smith | Compulsive Traveler