The Center for Puppetry Arts is a museum and performance venue in Atlanta, Georgia that houses one of the largest puppet collections in the world

The Center for Puppetry Arts (CPA) is located in Atlanta and operates as both a museum and a working theater. The organization holds more than 3,000 puppets in its collection, ranging from hand puppets and marionettes to large-scale theatrical pieces. Visitors can see puppets on display, watch live performances, and take classes in puppet-making and performance techniques.

The center opened in 1978 and has remained the primary institution in the United States dedicated entirely to puppetry as an art form. It operates year-round and serves audiences of all ages through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The Center for Puppetry Arts houses over 3,000 puppets from around the world, displayed in rotating exhibitions and permanent galleries.
  • The venue hosts live puppet performances throughout the year, including shows for children, families, and adult audiences.
  • Classes and workshops teach puppet construction, manipulation, and performance to people of all skill levels.
  • Admission includes access to both the museum galleries and the ability to attend performances on the day of your visit, depending on the show schedule.

What you see in the museum galleries

The museum portion of CPA displays puppets from its permanent collection as well as rotating temporary exhibitions. The permanent galleries include puppets from different cultures and time periods—shadow puppets from Indonesia, rod puppets from Vietnam, European marionettes, and contemporary American puppets used in theater and television.

The collection also includes puppets from famous television programs and theatrical productions. Some pieces are displayed in cases with background information about their origin and how they were used. The museum layout allows you to move through galleries at your own pace and spend as much time as you want with individual pieces.

Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year and often focus on specific puppet traditions, artists, or themes. The center's website lists current and upcoming exhibitions so you can plan your visit around shows that interest you.

Live performances and show schedules

CPA produces and hosts puppet performances in its theater spaces. Shows range from classical puppet theater to experimental work and often include pieces created specifically for the center. Performance schedules vary by season, with more shows typically offered during school breaks and summer months.

The center produces shows aimed at different audiences: some are designed for young children (typically ages 3 to 7), others for families with older children, and some for adult viewers. Show lengths, content, and ticket prices differ depending on the production. You can find the current performance schedule on the center's website, which lists show dates, times, age recommendations, and ticket costs.

Performances are held in the center's theater, which seats audiences in a traditional theater setup. Seating is assigned or general admission depending on the show. It is common for performances to sell out during peak seasons, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Classes and workshops for puppet makers and performers

The center offers classes in puppet construction and performance for children, teens, and adults. Classes cover different puppet types—hand puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets, and marionettes—and range from single-session workshops to multi-week courses. Some classes focus on building a specific puppet, while others teach performance techniques or the history of puppet traditions.

Children's classes are organized by age group and skill level. Adult classes often meet in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate work schedules. Class sizes are typically small to allow instructors to work with each participant individually. The center's website lists current class offerings, schedules, and fees.

Workshops are also offered during special events and festivals throughout the year. These shorter sessions allow people to try puppet-making or performance without committing to a full course.

Admission, hours, and how to plan your visit

The center charges separate admission for the museum galleries and for performances, though some package deals combine both. Museum admission typically costs less than a performance ticket. Hours of operation vary by day and season, and the center is closed on certain holidays. The website displays current hours and any temporary closures.

Parking is available on-site or nearby. The building is accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. Group visits and school field trips can be arranged in advance by contacting the center directly.

A typical visit to the museum galleries takes one to two hours, depending on how thoroughly you explore the exhibitions. If you plan to attend a performance on the same day, allow extra time for the show, which typically runs 45 minutes to an hour plus time to arrive early and settle in.

Special events and seasonal programming

The Center for Puppetry Arts hosts special events throughout the year, including puppet festivals, artist demonstrations, and themed exhibitions. The center also participates in Atlanta's broader cultural calendar and sometimes offers performances or exhibitions tied to holidays or cultural celebrations.

Summer programming often expands to include more performances and workshops. The center sometimes hosts visiting puppet artists from other countries, which can bring different puppet traditions and performance styles to the venue. Information about upcoming special events is posted on the center's website and social media accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age are the performances appropriate for?

The center produces shows for different age groups. Each performance listing on the website includes an age recommendation. Some shows are designed for children as young as three, while others are better suited for older children or adults. Reading the description helps you choose a show that matches your audience's age and interests.

Can I take a class if I have never made or performed with puppets before?

Yes. The center offers beginner classes for both children and adults. Classes are organized by skill level, so you will be grouped with others at a similar experience level. Instructors teach fundamental techniques from the start, so no prior knowledge is needed.

How far in advance should I buy performance tickets?

Popular shows, especially during school breaks and summer, often sell out. Buying tickets one to two weeks ahead is usually safe, but during peak seasons buying earlier is better. The website shows which performances are selling quickly so you can decide how far ahead to purchase.

Is the museum worth visiting if I do not plan to see a performance?

Yes. The museum galleries stand on their own and display hundreds of puppets from around the world. A visit to the galleries alone typically takes one to two hours and does not require attending a performance. Many visitors come for the museum only.

Does the center offer birthday parties or private events?

The center can host private events and birthday parties. Contact the center directly through its website or phone number to discuss options, availability, and pricing for your specific needs.