Are puppets just for kids? Not at the Center for Puppetry Arts. This 80,000-square-foot museum in Atlanta is beloved by visitors of all ages. With a recent renovation and expansion, the museum feels contemporary and tech-forward. It is home to the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson artifacts, including beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Big Bird. But the museum isn’t just about Henson’s work. It also takes guests on a puppet-centric journey around the world, showcasing different puppet traditions. With rotating special exhibits and a gift shop filled with unique items, the Center for Puppetry Arts is a must-visit for puppet enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Overview

The Center for Puppetry Arts is an 80,000-square-foot museum located in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite being known for its kid-centric attractions, the museum is beloved by visitors of all ages. In addition to the museum, the complex also features a theater for live shows and classroom space for workshops. The Center for Puppetry Arts recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion, giving it a contemporary and tech-forward feel. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson artifacts, including iconic characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Big Bird.

General information about the Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts is an expansive museum that showcases the art of puppetry from around the world. The museum features multiple galleries, including the Global Collection Gallery and the Jim Henson Gallery, which houses the world’s largest collection of his work. In addition to the galleries, the museum offers guided tours, a gift shop, and limited food options.

Recent renovation and expansion

The Center for Puppetry Arts recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion, making it a state-of-the-art facility. The updates have given the museum a contemporary and tech-forward feel, enhancing the overall visitor experience. The museum now features climate-controlled spaces with LED lights that illuminate the exhibits without endangering their priceless contents.

Highlights of the museum

The museum is a treasure trove of puppetry art, with highlights that will fascinate visitors of all ages. The Global Collection Gallery takes guests on a journey around the world, showcasing puppet-centric traditions from various cultures. This gallery features puppets from Vietnamese water puppetry, leather-bound puppets from Cambodia, Punch and Judy puppets, and puppets used in Native American storytelling. The Jim Henson Gallery is a must-visit for fans of the legendary puppeteer. It houses the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson artifacts, including puppets, costumes, and videos from beloved shows like Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Sesame Street, and The Muppets.

Global Collection Gallery

The Global Collection Gallery is a captivating exhibit that immerses visitors in puppet-centric traditions from around the world. This gallery showcases a diverse range of puppetry styles and techniques, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of different countries. Some examples of the puppets on display include Vietnamese water puppets, leather-bound puppets from Cambodia, and puppets used in Native American storytelling.

Jim Henson Gallery

The Jim Henson Gallery is a tribute to the iconic puppeteer and showcases the world’s largest collection of his work. Visitors will have the opportunity to see beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Big Bird up close. The gallery also features costumes and videos from Henson’s famous projects, including Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Sesame Street, and The Muppets.

Temporary Exhibits

The museum’s special exhibits gallery features rotating installations that complement the permanent collection. One notable temporary exhibit is “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth & Magic,” which was designed to coincide with the release of the Netflix series. These temporary exhibits add an element of excitement and variety to the museum experience, giving visitors a reason to come back and explore new installations.

Target Audience

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a haven for puppet enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for individuals who have a keen interest in the art form. However, the museum’s appeal extends beyond puppet enthusiasts, as it offers a unique and engaging experience for people of all ages. Visitors will likely spend about an hour or 90 minutes wandering the galleries, taking in the vast collection of puppets and artifacts. For an even more immersive experience, attending a live puppet show is highly recommended.

Accessibility

The Center for Puppetry Arts is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors. The building is ADA accessible and is all on one floor, making it easy to navigate for those with limited mobility. The museum has also implemented a clear one-way traffic pattern, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Guided Tours

For a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits, the museum offers hour-long, docent-led tours. These tours provide visitors with the undivided attention of a passionate puppet lover, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the art form. However, the museum staff is also readily available to answer any questions and ensure that visitors have a great experience, making it just as worthwhile to explore the museum on your own.

Gift Shop

The museum’s gift shop is a treasure trove for puppet enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Unlike traditional museum stores, this gift shop offers unique merchandise that caters to both kids and adults. Visitors can find stop-motion kits, Henson collectibles, and a variety of puppets that can be used to hone their puppetry skills. What’s even better is that you don’t need to purchase a museum ticket to visit the gift shop, as you can simply utilize the free parking and walk right in.

Food Options

While the Center for Puppetry Arts does not have a full-service café, there are limited food options available. Visitors can find vending machines on-site for a quick snack or drink. Additionally, the museum occasionally hosts special events like “Puppets & Pints” nights, where they partner with a local brewery to provide food and drinks.

Time Estimate

To fully experience the museum without feeling rushed, it is recommended to allocate about 90 minutes of your time. This should allow ample time to explore the various galleries, take in the extensive collection of puppets and artifacts, and even participate in a guided tour if desired. However, to truly complete your visit, attending a live puppet show is highly recommended. These shows offer a unique and immersive experience that adds another layer of excitement to your visit.

In conclusion, the Center for Puppetry Arts is a must-visit destination for puppet enthusiasts and art lovers alike. With its recent renovation and expansion, the museum offers a contemporary and tech-forward experience that appeals to visitors of all ages. From the Global Collection Gallery showcasing puppet-centric traditions from around the world to the Jim Henson Gallery housing the largest collection of his work, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Take your time exploring the museum, participate in a guided tour if desired, and don’t forget to visit the unique gift shop. With limited food options and a one-way traffic pattern, the museum ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all visitors. So, gather your friends and family and embark on a puppet-filled adventure at the Center for Puppetry Arts.