Visiting Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta
The Center for Puppetry Arts has been an Atlanta institution since 1978, when Jim Henson and Kermit cut the ribbon at its opening. If you haven’t been there, read on to find out why we think it is such a gem. And if you have been there, check out some things you may have been missing.
Table of Contents
Nostalgia
Since it’s been around since 1978, many of today’s parents visited the Center as kids–with their own parents or on field trips. So taking their children to see the shows and the museum is like a trip down memory lane.
Three in One
Visitors don’t just watch puppet shows, they also get to see The World of Puppetry Museum and make puppets. All three are included in one price.
Hands-on Experiences
Their create-a-puppet workshop allows kids to do just that, and take home their creation. The project correlates to the current family series at the theater and can either be instructor-led or self-guided.
Jim Henson Puppets
The Center boasts the largest collection of Jim Henson puppets and artifacts in the world. That means visitors get to see puppets from all their favorites like Sesame Street, The Muppets and Fraggle Rock.
Kids can be Kids
During the shows, kids can move around and often are encouraged to participate in the performance. And while visiting the museum, they can play with puppets.
It’s Affordable
Taking kids to area attractions can break the bank but The Center for Puppetry Arts keeps their prices low. Plus a family membership is tax deductible and comes with all types of perks.
The Center’s Knowledgeable Staff
The friendly people here know puppets. They’ll tell you as much as you want to know, and wow you with their puppet expertise.
Behind the Scenes Tours
Kids ages 7 and up have the option to do a guided tour where they can learn about the magic behind puppet making. They get to see things like the puppet building workshop and scene shop.
Toddler Programs
On select Tuesdays the Center offers fun workshops for little ones ages 2-4. Parents and kids enjoy reading activities, fingerplays and puppet-making.
Sensory-Friendly Programs
For guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the Center offers programming like shows with dimmed lights and museum tours with touch tables. Their Create-a-Puppet workshops for this group are quieter, brighter and not so messy. Plus the staff for these events have been trained in interactions with visitors who have ASD.
Simplicity
In a world where the screen rules, the Center for Puppetry Arts takes kids back to the basics. Children are memorized by the colorful, imaginative world of puppetry.
Diversity
Puppets aren’t just an American art. The Center features puppets from all over the world in their Global Gallery.
Fun for Adults
Puppetry isn’t just for kids; adults and teens can enjoy shows too. The Center offers thought provoking shows for more mature audiences.
Free Parking
This is pretty much unheard of in midtown but it’s true–free parking behind the center. Amazing.
Family Series
Families have been flocking to the Center for years to see their variety of shows. They’ve got their own adaptations of classics as well as new, original shows.
On-site Education
Budding puppeteers of all ages can learn the art of puppetry through the Center’s many workshops and classes.
Off-site Education
Puppeteers can come to preschools or even workplaces to do shows and presentations.
Center for Puppetry Arts Playground
While the museum and theater both cater to little wigglers, all kids need a chance to burn off more energy. Luckily the Center has a playground just for that.
Birthday Parties at Center for Puppetry Arts
If you’re tired of the same old jumpy places for birthday parties, the Center offers a great birthday party package which includes tickets to a puppet show, priority seating and a birthday announcement for the guest of honor.
It’s One of a Kind
There is nothing else like this in America. The Center for Puppetry Arts is the largest non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicated to the art of puppet theater.
