In 1978, Kermit the Frog and his creator Jim Henson brought a little magic to Atlanta when the pair cut the ceremonial ribbons and opened the Center for Puppetry Arts. On Nov. 14, 2015 the Center will once again cut ceremonial ribbons -- no word yet on whom (or what) might hold the scissors -- when they publicly open their most ambitious museum expansion ever.
The expansion will offer immersive and interactive new exhibitions allowing guests of all ages to explore puppetry in unique ways. Perhaps the most exciting element of the expansion project will bring together hundreds of Jim Henson treasures for future generations to view, making the Center's exhibition the worlds most comprehensive collection of Henson's art.
In addition to the museum and its interactive exhibits, the Center for Puppetry Arts is (and has long been) a place where adults and children together can share in the love of puppetry. The Center offers enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, distance learning and outreach programs in addition to daily museum tours and interactive exhibits.
Things to do at the Center for Puppetry Arts:
Visit the new Worlds of Puppetry Museum, opening Nov. 14 - When it reopens its doors on Nov. 14, The Worlds of Puppetry Museum will have 7,500 square feet of museum space, a renovated grand entrance, expanded museum store, and a new research library. The expansion will feature two galleries - one devoted to the Center's collection of puppetry items from around the world, and the other dedicated exclusively to the life and works of Jim Henson. It will be the largest collection of Jim Henson's puppets and artifacts in the world.
Participate in Discovery Days - Discovery Days are a celebration and study of the puppetry traditions in other cultures. The program is intimate and interactive, diving into the storytelling, puppet creation and performance elements unique to places like Africa and the Far East.
Become a volunteer - One of the most meaningful contributions you can make to the Center for Puppetry Arts is your time. There are a range of volunteer opportunities available -- from assisting with puppet making to guiding tours of the museum -- for those age 16 and older with a clean background. Volunteers receive complimentary tickets to many performances and workshops, complimentary museum admission, discounted museum store purchases and an invitation to the Center's annual holiday party.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour - For those curious about creating puppetry magic, the behind-the-scenes tour gives a special peek into the centers methods. Guests visit puppet building workshop, scene shop and more. This extra-access tour is held on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Celebrate your birthday at the Center - Give your child a birthday to remember at the Center. Birthday parties include ten tickets to a live puppet show with priority seating and a crown for the young prince or princess. For an additional fee, add the create-a-puppet workshops where guests can build their own souvenir puppet. Birthdays at the Center for Puppetry Arts are only granted to members, so you'll need to purchase a membership at the Family Level or above.
