The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to a One‑of‑a‑Kind Center

The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta is one of the city’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. Whether you live in the metro area or are planning a visit, this Midtown center offers a mix of performances, museum exhibits, and hands‑on activities you won’t find anywhere else.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to what the center is, what happens there, how to visit, and how locals commonly make the most of it.

What Is the Center for Puppetry Arts?

The Center for Puppetry Arts is a dedicated arts center focused entirely on puppetry. It combines:

• A puppet museum
• Multiple performance spaces
• Workshops and educational programs
• Special events and seasonal shows

It’s designed to be accessible to families, school groups, tourists, and adult theater fans alike, with programming that ranges from kid‑friendly fairy tales to more sophisticated productions.

Location:

• 1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• In Midtown, near Atlantic Station and not far from Arts Center MARTA Station

This makes it relatively easy to fit into a day that includes other Atlanta attractions such as the High Museum of Art or Piedmont Park.

Why the Center Matters in Atlanta’s Arts Scene

Atlanta has a strong arts culture—from major institutions like the Fox Theatre and Alliance Theatre to smaller neighborhood theaters. The Center for Puppetry Arts stands out because:

• It’s specialized: puppetry is its entire focus.
• It’s considered a major puppetry center in the United States.
• It helps keep traditional and contemporary puppetry alive through both performance and education.

For locals, it’s frequently used as:

• A field trip destination for Metro Atlanta schools
• A weekend family outing
• A tourist stop for visitors staying in Midtown or Downtown
• A learning space for teachers, artists, and students interested in visual and performing arts

Main Experiences at the Center for Puppetry Arts

1. Puppet Performances

The center offers live puppet shows throughout the year. These usually fall into a few categories:

• Family/Children’s shows
  Adaptations of classic stories, seasonal shows (especially around holidays), and original productions suitable for younger audiences.

• Teen and adult-friendly performances
  Some shows are written with older audiences in mind, with more complex themes, humor, and staging.

• Touring or guest productions
  Occasionally, guest artists or companies bring in their own work, giving Atlanta audiences a chance to see different puppetry styles.

Common formats include:

• Hand puppets
• Marionettes (string puppets)
• Rod puppets
• Shadow puppetry
• Mixed-media performances that combine puppets with live actors, projections, or music

If you’re planning a visit, it’s useful to check what’s currently playing and the recommended age range so you can match the show to your group.

2. The Puppet Museum

The on-site museum is a major part of the center’s appeal, especially for visitors who grew up with well-known TV and film puppet characters.

You can expect:

• Permanent exhibits
  These often highlight the history of puppetry, both globally and in the United States. They may feature traditional puppets from various cultures and iconic characters from well-known productions.

• Special exhibits
  Rotating exhibitions sometimes focus on specific shows, artists, or themes, giving repeat visitors something new to see.

• Behind-the-scenes displays
  These often show how puppets are designed, built, and operated, which can be especially interesting for older kids, teens, and adults.

The museum side of the center is generally self-guided, so you can move at your own pace. Many Atlanta residents find they can spend anywhere from 1–2 hours in the museum, depending on their interest level.

3. Workshops and Hands-On Activities

Another key feature of the Center for Puppetry Arts is its interactive programming.

Common offerings include:

• Build-a-puppet workshops
  Often tied to specific performances, where participants create a simple puppet to take home. This is popular with families and school groups.

• Educational classes and camps
  These may focus on:

  • Puppet construction
  • Storytelling and script development
  • Performance techniques
  • Art integration for classroom teachers

• Teacher and educator resources
  Many Atlanta-area teachers use the center as a curriculum extension, especially in language arts, social studies, and visual arts.

If you’re local, these workshops can be a recurring activity. If you’re visiting from out of town, it’s worth checking ahead to see which workshops align with your travel dates.

Quick Reference: What You’ll Find at the Center

Planning Your Visit: Practical Details for Atlanta

Location and Parking

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

Getting there:

• By MARTA:

  • Take the Red or Gold Line to Arts Center Station.
  • From there, it’s typically a short walk or a brief ride via rideshare or bus. Many visitors choose to walk if the weather is pleasant.

• By car:

  • The center is near I‑85/75 with access from the Downtown Connector.
  • There is usually on-site or nearby parking; however, availability and pricing can vary, especially on weekends and for popular performances.

When planning, it’s wise to allow extra time for Midtown traffic, particularly during rush hour or major events.

Hours and Tickets

The center generally operates most days of the week, with:

• Museum hours during the day
• Showtimes at set times, usually requiring advance tickets
• Workshops tied to specific performances or scheduled as standalone programs

Because hours and ticket structures can change, Atlanta residents and visitors often:

• Check the current schedule and prices before heading over
• Reserve performance tickets in advance, especially on weekends, school breaks, and holidays

Some ticket packages may bundle together:

• A show
• Museum admission
• A workshop

These combined options are popular with families trying to plan a single, well-structured outing.

Who Typically Enjoys the Center?

The Center for Puppetry Arts draws a wide range of visitors in Atlanta:

• Families with children
  The combination of a show, museum, and craft activity makes it easy to fill a morning or afternoon in a kid-friendly way.

• Tourists staying in Midtown or Downtown
  It’s a convenient cultural stop, especially if you’re already visiting Atlantic Station, the High Museum, or other nearby attractions.

• Educators and school groups
  Many Metro Atlanta schools use the center as a field trip site or partner for arts education programming.

• Theatre and arts enthusiasts
  Adults interested in design, performance, or visual arts often appreciate the depth of craftsmanship and the behind-the-scenes exhibits.

If you’re not sure whether it’s appropriate for very young children, it’s helpful to check the age recommendation for the specific show you’re considering.

Tips for Atlanta Locals and Repeat Visitors

If you live in or near Atlanta, there are a few ways to get more out of the center over time:

• Watch the seasonal calendar
  The center often rotates shows based on school schedules and holidays. Many families make a tradition of visiting for annual seasonal performances.

• Look for membership or frequent-visitor options
  These may offer benefits such as discounted admission, early access to tickets, or member events. This can be helpful if you plan to visit several times a year.

• Combine with other local stops
  In one Midtown outing, locals often:

  • Visit the Center for Puppetry Arts
  • Walk or drive to Atlantic Station or Howell Mill for food
  • Add a stop at the High Museum of Art or a stroll through Piedmont Park

This can be attractive for hosting out-of-town guests or planning a full day in the city.

Accessibility and Visitor Considerations

The center is designed to be accessible and family-friendly. Common considerations for Atlanta visitors include:

• Mobility access:
  Public areas, theaters, and museum spaces are typically accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

• Restrooms and family facilities:
  These are located within the building, often including family-friendly accommodations.

• Group visits and field trips:
  Schools, camps, and community groups in the Atlanta area can often arrange for group tickets, educational tie-ins, or guided experiences.

If accessibility needs are a concern for you or someone in your group, it’s recommended to contact the center directly ahead of time so staff can explain current accommodations.

Contact Information and How to Get Updates

To confirm current hours, show schedules, workshop offerings, and ticketing, you can use the center’s primary public contact point:

• Center for Puppetry Arts
  1404 Spring St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309
  Phone: (404) 873‑3391

Staff can typically provide:

• Up-to-date performance listings
• Age recommendations for shows
• Details on group visits, school programs, and camps
• Information on pricing, memberships, and accessibility

For anyone living in Atlanta, visiting the city, or planning an arts-focused trip, the Center for Puppetry Arts is one of the most distinctive centers you can experience—part museum, part theater, and part creative workshop space, all anchored in Midtown’s busy cultural corridor.