Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to Shows, Museum & More

The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, GA is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural attractions. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or are looking for something unique to do with kids or out-of-town guests, this Midtown landmark offers a mix of theater, museum experiences, and hands-on workshops.

Below is a practical guide to help you understand what it is, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit.

What Is the Center for Puppetry Arts?

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a dedicated puppet theater and museum that focuses on puppetry as an art form. It combines:

• Live performances (for families, school groups, and adults)
• A museum featuring puppets from around the world and from popular television and film
• Workshops where visitors can make and sometimes operate their own puppets

It’s known locally as a place where Atlanta families go for weekend outings, where school field trips are hosted, and where tourists often pair a visit with other Midtown attractions.

Location, Parking & Getting There

Address
Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

This puts the Center in Midtown Atlanta, not far from major city landmarks and easily accessible from main roads and MARTA.

Getting There by Car

• Located near I-85/75, just off 14th Street.
• Drivers typically use Spring Street or West Peachtree Street to reach the area.
• Paid parking is normally available in nearby lots or garages in the Midtown arts district; rates and availability can vary by time of day and event.

Getting There by MARTA

• The closest MARTA rail station is usually Arts Center Station (Red/Gold lines).
• From Arts Center, you can walk or take a short rideshare to the Center for Puppetry Arts.
• If you’re staying in downtown or near the airport, taking MARTA to Arts Center and then walking or catching a quick ride is often simpler than driving and parking.

Main Experiences at the Center for Puppetry Arts

1. Family-Friendly Puppet Shows

The Center is best known in Atlanta for its family and children’s performances. These shows often bring classic stories or children’s literature to life using puppets.

You can expect:

• Shorter show lengths than typical adult theater, making them good for younger attention spans
• Colorful sets and characters, often with music or interactive moments
• A focus on storytelling and imagination rather than special effects

Common formats include:

• Hand puppets
• Rod puppets
• Marionettes
• Shadow puppetry

Performances rotate throughout the year, often changing with seasons or holidays. Locals often return multiple times a year to see different productions.

2. Adult and Special-Event Performances

In addition to children’s programming, the Center sometimes offers:

• Evening shows or series aimed at adults
• Themed events that highlight puppetry for mature audiences or explore more complex subjects

These may be scheduled less frequently than family shows, so they are worth checking for in advance if you’re planning a night out in Midtown.

The Museum: Global & Jim Henson Galleries

The Center’s museum is a major draw for both Atlantans and visitors, especially fans of classic TV and film.

Global Collection

The global puppetry collection showcases:

• Traditional puppets from various regions around the world
• Explanations of how puppetry is used in different cultures for storytelling, ceremony, and entertainment
• Examples of different puppet styles, materials, and techniques

This section usually appeals to adults, students, and anyone interested in international art and culture.

Jim Henson & Popular Culture

A major highlight for many visitors is the collection related to Jim Henson and his creations. Here, you’ll typically find:

• Puppets and memorabilia associated with The Muppets, Sesame Street, and other Henson productions
• Background information about how characters were designed and performed
• Exhibits that connect childhood nostalgia with the craft of puppetry

This is often where Atlanta visitors spend a large chunk of their time, especially if they grew up watching these shows.

Workshops & Hands-On Activities

One of the features that makes the Center for Puppetry Arts stand out in Atlanta is the focus on active participation, not just watching.

Common workshop experiences include:

• Make-a-puppet sessions, where children (and sometimes adults) build a simple puppet using prepared materials
• Opportunities to decorate, assemble, and then operate their puppet
• Staff or teaching artists who show basic techniques for movement and expression

Many families in Atlanta plan a whole outing around a show + museum + workshop combination, especially on weekends or school breaks. Workshops are usually scheduled around specific performances, and spaces can be limited.

Typical Visit: How Much Time You Need

The time you’ll need depends on what you want to do:

For most Atlanta families:

• A half-day visit works well.
• Tourists often combine the Center with nearby attractions in the Midtown arts district.

Nearby Midtown Atlanta Attractions

The Center for Puppetry Arts sits within an arts-focused area of Midtown. Many locals and visitors like to pair it with:

• High Museum of Art – Major art museum with rotating exhibitions.
• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – Performances nearby at Symphony Hall (check schedules separately).
• Woodruff Arts Center area – A cluster of cultural institutions, performance spaces, and public art.
• Piedmont Park – A short drive or rideshare away for a walk, picnic, or playground stop before or after your visit.

This makes the Center convenient if you’re planning a full Midtown cultural day.

Who the Center for Puppetry Arts Is Best For

The Center is especially popular with:

• Families with children – Particularly preschool and elementary-age kids who enjoy performances and craft activities.
• Educators and school groups – Many Atlanta-area schools organize field trips here as part of arts or language arts programs.
• Tourists staying in Midtown or Downtown – Easy to reach by MARTA or a short drive, and unique compared with typical big-city attractions.
• Puppet and arts enthusiasts – The museum and special events can be appealing to adults with an interest in theater, design, or film/TV history.

Adults without children often enjoy the museum and any adult-focused performances, especially if they have an interest in Jim Henson’s work or the history of puppetry.

Accessibility & Practical Considerations

While details can change over time, visitors typically find:

• Indoor, climate-controlled spaces, which is helpful in both Atlanta’s summer heat and cooler winter days.
• Seating in theaters that accommodates families and school groups.
• Staff guidance for navigating the museum and workshops, especially for first-time visitors.

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s wise to:

• Check current accessibility information in advance.
• Contact the Center directly before your visit to ask about wheelchair access, seating, sensory accommodations, or language support if needed.

Ticketing, Memberships & Planning Ahead

Information such as exact prices, membership options, and schedules can change, but in Atlanta it’s common to see:

• Separate or bundled tickets for shows, museum entry, and workshops
• Family-focused packages that include multiple activities
• Memberships or annual passes that may appeal to frequent local visitors

For smoother planning:

• Check show schedules in advance, especially if you want a specific performance.
• Consider weekday vs. weekend visits; weekends are often busier with local families.
• During school holidays and summer, Atlanta residents and tourists both tend to crowd popular time slots.

Contact Information & How to Confirm Details

Because hours, show times, and ticket structures can change, it’s a good idea to confirm details before you go.

Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

You can typically find up-to-date:

• Performance calendars
• Museum hours
• Ticket prices
• Workshop availability
  by contacting the Center directly or checking their current information channels.

If you live in Atlanta, the Center for Puppetry Arts can easily become a recurring go-to option for weekend or school-break entertainment. If you’re visiting Atlanta, it offers a distinctly local, creative experience that’s different from standard tourist stops, especially if you enjoy theater, animation, or the worlds of Jim Henson.