

The Center reaches the community through its focus on core programming: performance, Museum and education. Since its inception, the Center has worked to serve the diverse populations of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the country at large. That first season, the Center mounted an exhibition of puppets, presented shows for adults and families, and hosted community-based workshops and activities that continue to this day. In 1978, Anthony found a permanent home in the former Spring Street Elementary School and the Center was born. The Vagabond Marionettes traveled around the Southeast and presented several seasons at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center. He decided to call Atlanta home and created Vagabond Marionettes with Mitchell Edmonds. He pursued the vision of a center that would promote puppetry and become a vital part of the community. By 1966, he was ready for a smaller community where he could be an active partner and make a difference.


The Center's story begins when a young puppeteer from Florida, Vincent Anthony, began touring with Nicolo Marionettes under the tutelage of Nicholas Coppola based out of New York. The first puppetry center in the United States, today it is the largest American organization solely dedicated to the art of puppet theater. Kermit the Frog and his creator Jim Henson cut the ceremonial ribbon. For fans of theater, you can see how the puppets were produced for the Broadway hit, The Lion King.ĭuring 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.The Center for Puppetry Arts opened to the public on September 23, 1978, when But adults can also enjoy learning about the level of detail it takes to create something seemingly so simple. You might see an updated version of The Ugly Duckling or a classic Punch and Judy show.Ĭhildren will love seeing the puppet shows, which are performed by skilled artists. Performances inspired by classic fairy tales are a regular occurrence at The Center for Puppetry Arts. The Age of Resistance is a regular show based on Dark Crystal. Other events are more adult-themed, which are better suited to teenagers and adults. Some shows and events, such as Puppet Playdate, are focused on small children between 4 and 8 years old. Photo by SummersSolutions ( CC BY-SA 4.0) modified What are the highlights of the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta?Įxhibits and performances at the museum are tailored to different age groups. This puppet museum has exhibits of all of Henson’s most loved creations, including the iconic Kermit the Frog.Ĭenter for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta - one of the highlights of 10 Best Family Things to Do in Atlanta (Read all about Atlanta here)
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His genius is also behind the popular 1980s family movie Dark Crystal.
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Jim Henson was the creator of the world-famous TV show The Muppets that had been on air since 1955. But in the 20 th century, artists in America took puppetry to a level unseen before on shows such as Fraggle Rock, Sesame Street and The Muppets. Puppetry has been an art form for centuries. It hosts more than 600 live shows a year, taking the art of puppet making into the 21 st century. Since 1978, this art space has been educating and entertaining people of all ages. You will get to see how these art pieces are made and enjoy some fantastic live performances tailored for all the family. The Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the world's finest museums focused on puppetry as an art form.
