Frommer's Review
Don't miss this place if you're traveling with the kids. In fact, you might not want to miss it even without children in tow. The center is dedicated to expanding public awareness of puppetry as a fine art and to presenting all of its international and historical forms. Opened in 1978, with Kermit the Frog cutting the official ribbon (he had a little help from the late Jim Henson), it contains a 300-seat theater, a smaller theater, gallery space, and a permanent museum. The puppet shows are marvelous -- sophisticated, riveting, full-stage productions with elaborate scenery. Some are family oriented; others, with nighttime showings, are geared to adults. Call ahead to find out what's on (reservations are essential). You can also call a week or so in advance to enroll yourself or your kids in a puppet-making workshop.
The center's permanent exhibit, "Puppets, The Power of Wonder," is stunning, featuring one of the largest and finest puppet collections in North America. It includes such treasures as ritualistic African figures, Punch and Judy, Henson's Pigs in Space, turn-of-the-20th-century Thai shadow puppets, Indonesian wayang golek puppets used to tell classic stories (a centuries-old tradition), Chinese hand puppets, rod-operated marionettes from all over Europe, original Muppets, pre-Columbian clay puppets that were used in religious ceremonies (ca. A.D. 1200), and Turkish shadow figures made of dried animal skins. Visitors get the opportunity to use joysticks to manipulate over 350 of these puppets. A video hosted by Jim Henson provides an overview of puppetry and takes visitors around the world to meet masters of the art. Another gallery features visiting exhibits from other countries. Reservations are required for guided 1-hour tours of the permanent exhibit.
The gift shop is like no other, with oodles of marionettes, one-of-a-kind handmade puppets, masks, videos, and other related items.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
