Center for Puppetry Arts

If you are looking for a unique and magical experience in Atlanta, you should not miss the Center for Puppetry Arts, the largest organization dedicated to the art form of puppetry in the United States. Whether you are a fan of Jim Henson’s creations, a lover of global cultures, or a curious explorer of the world of puppets, you will find something to enjoy and learn at this amazing place.

History

The Center for Puppetry Arts was founded in 1978 by Vincent Anthony, a puppeteer and visionary who wanted to promote puppetry as a form of art and education. The Center started as a small theater in a former elementary school, but soon expanded its programs and facilities to include workshops, exhibitions, and outreach activities.

In 2007, the Center announced a partnership with The Jim Henson Company and The Jim Henson Legacy to house a permanent collection of Jim Henson’s puppets and artifacts, as well as a gallery dedicated to his life and work. The Jim Henson Collection opened in 2015, after a major renovation and expansion of the Center.

The Center also hosts the Global Collection, which showcases puppetry traditions from around the world, and the Dean Dubose Smith Special Exhibits Gallery, which features temporary exhibitions on various topics related to puppetry.

Urbanism and architecture

The Center for Puppetry Arts is located in Midtown Atlanta, a vibrant and diverse area that offers many attractions and amenities for visitors. The Center is easily accessible by public transportation, as it is close to the Arts Center MARTA station and several bus routes.

The building that houses the Center is a historic landmark that dates back to 1920. It was originally built as the Spring Street Elementary School, one of the first public schools in Atlanta. The school closed in 1976 and was acquired by the Center in 1978.

The Center has preserved some of the original features of the building, such as the brick facade, the arched windows, and the wooden floors. It has also added modern elements, such as a glass atrium, a spiral staircase, and a colorful mural that depicts scenes from Jim Henson’s shows.

The Center has three theaters: the Mainstage Theater, which seats 350 people and hosts performances for families and adults; the Downstairs Theater, which seats 150 people and hosts performances for young audiences; and the Black Box Theater, which seats 60 people and hosts experimental and intimate shows.

Amenities

The Center for Puppetry Arts offers a variety of amenities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of them:

Culture

• The Worlds of Puppetry Museum: This is the highlight of the Center, where you can explore two galleries that display hundreds of puppets from different cultures and eras. The Jim Henson Gallery features iconic puppets such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Elmo, and more. You can also learn about Jim Henson’s life and career, his creative process, and his legacy. The Global Gallery showcases puppets from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. You can discover how puppetry reflects the history, beliefs, and values of various societies.
• The Found It! Pop-Up Exhibition: This is a temporary exhibition that runs until April 23rd in the Love Family Atrium. It features famous puppets made from everyday objects, such as spoons, forks, cans, bottles, and more. You can also create your own puppets using recycled materials.
• The Performances: The Center offers a wide range of performances for different audiences and tastes. You can enjoy classic tales, original stories, musicals, comedies, dramas, and more. Some of the upcoming shows are Aanika’s Elephants (a story of compassion and courage), Old MacDonald’s Farm (a fun interactive show for toddlers), The Headless Horseman (a spooky adaptation of Washington Irving’s story), and Rudolph (a holiday favorite).

Gastronomy

• The Museum Store: This is where you can find snacks and drinks to enjoy during your visit or take home as souvenirs. You can choose from cookies, candy bars, popcorn, chips, soda, water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and more.
• The Nearby Restaurants: If you are looking for more options to satisfy your appetite, you can find many restaurants within walking distance from the Center. Some of the popular ones are The Varsity (a classic diner that serves burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes), The Flying Biscuit Cafe (a cozy spot that serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch), and Empire State South (a sophisticated restaurant that serves Southern cuisine with a modern twist).

Commercial

• The Museum Store: This is also where you can find a variety of merchandise related to puppetry and Jim Henson’s creations. You can browse through books, DVDs, CDs, posters, t-shirts, hats, mugs, keychains, magnets, stickers, and more. You can also buy puppets of your favorite characters or make your own puppets with kits and supplies.
• The Nearby Shops: If you are looking for more shopping opportunities, you can visit some of the nearby shops that offer a range of products and services. Some of the popular ones are Atlantic Station (a mixed-use development that features retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and more), IKEA (a Swedish furniture store that offers affordable and stylish home furnishings), and Ponce City Market (a historic building that houses a food hall, a market, a rooftop park, and more).

Tips for visitors

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts:

• Plan ahead: Check the Center’s website for the latest information on hours, admission prices, shows, exhibitions, workshops, and events. You can also buy tickets online or by phone to avoid lines and secure your seats.
• Arrive early: Give yourself enough time to explore the museum galleries and enjoy the performances. The museum opens at 9 a.m. from Tuesday to Friday, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and at 12 p.m. on Sunday. The performances start at various times depending on the show and the day.
• Take advantage of discounts: The Center offers discounts for groups of 10 or more people, members of the military and their families, seniors, students, educators, and members of AAA. You can also save money by buying a CityPASS or a Flex Pass, which give you access to multiple attractions in Atlanta.
• Have fun: The Center for Puppetry Arts is a place where you can unleash your imagination and creativity. You can interact with the puppets, learn new skills, make new friends, and have a memorable time.

Driving directions from the Center for Puppetry Arts to State Farm Arena

Via Spring St NW. 2.7 miles in 13 minutes.

1. Head east on 18th St NW toward Spring St NW.
2. Turn right onto Spring St NW and continue for 0.5 miles.
3. Continue straight to stay on Spring St NW for 1.6 miles.
4. Slight left onto Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW and continue for 0.6 miles.

Driving directions from the Center for Puppetry Arts to Ebenezer Baptist Church

Via I-75 S/I-85 S. 3.4 miles in 11 minutes.

1. Head east on 18th St NW toward Spring St NW for 276 ft.
2. Turn right onto Spring St NW and continue for 0.5 mi.
3. Get on I-75 S/I-85 S and continue for 0.6 mi.
4. Continue on I-75 S/I-85 S to John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE. Take exit 248D from I-75 S/I-85 S and continue for 1.8 mi.
5. Follow John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Irwin St NE and Jackson St NE to Auburn Ave NE and continue 0.5 mi.

Driving directions from the Center of Puppetry Arts to John Morrison Law

Via I-85 N. 16.2 miles in 20 minutes.

1. Get on GA-13 N from 17th St NW and W Peachtree St NE and continue for 0.6 mi.
   1. Head east on 18th St NW toward Spring St NW for 276 ft.
   2. Turn right onto Spring St NW and continue for 0.1 miles.
   3. Turn left onto 17th St NW and continue for 0.1 miles.
   4. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto W Peachtree St NE and continue for 0.2 miles.
   5. Slight left for 272 ft.
   6. Use any lane to take the ramp to GA-13 N for 0.1 miles.
2. Follow GA-13 N and I-85 N to Jimmy Carter Blvd in Gwinnett County. Take exit 99 from I-85 N and continue for 14.0 mi.
   1. Continue onto GA-13 N for 2.8 miles.
   2. Use the right 2 lanes to merge onto I-85 N toward Greenville for 10.8 miles.
   3. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 99 for GA-140 W/Jimmy Carter Boulevard for 0.4 miles.
   4. Keep right at the fork and merge onto Jimmy Carter Blvd for 259 ft.
3. Merge onto Jimmy Carter Blvd and continue for 1.6 mi.
   1. Destination will be on the left.