Puppet Museum Atlanta: Your Guide to the Center for Puppetry Arts

If you’re searching for the “puppet museum in Atlanta,” you’re almost certainly looking for the Center for Puppetry Arts in Midtown. It’s one of Atlanta’s most unique cultural attractions and a favorite for families, theater lovers, and anyone curious about puppetry as an art form.

This guide walks you through what it is, where it is, what to see, and how to plan your visit—specifically from an Atlanta local or visitor’s perspective.

What Is the Puppet Museum in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s puppet museum is the Center for Puppetry Arts, a combined museum, performance venue, and education center dedicated entirely to puppetry.

It’s known for:

• A large museum collection, including iconic Jim Henson characters
• Live puppet shows for children, families, and adults
• Workshops and classes where you can make and operate puppets
• Special exhibitions and events throughout the year

Unlike a traditional museum where you just walk through exhibits, this Atlanta attraction blends museum galleries with live theater and hands-on experiences.

Location, Hours, and Basic Info

Center for Puppetry Arts (Puppet Museum Atlanta)
1404 Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 873-3391

It’s in Midtown Atlanta, just off I-85/75 near the Arts Center area.

Typical hours often include:

• Museum / Worlds of Puppetry Museum: Usually open on most days with set time slots
• Performances: Scheduled showtimes, often mornings and afternoons for family shows, and occasional evening shows
• Workshops & events: Scheduled by date and time

Because performance schedules and open hours can change for holidays, school breaks, or touring shows, it’s wise to:

• Check current museum hours
• Confirm show times
• See if advance tickets are required for the day you want to go

Getting There from Around Atlanta

By Car

The Center is easy to reach from most parts of Atlanta:

• From Downtown / Centennial Olympic Park: Head north on the Downtown Connector (I-75/85), exit near 17th Street / 14th Street, and follow signs toward Spring Street.
• From Buckhead: Take Peachtree Street or Piedmont Road south toward Midtown, then cut over to Spring Street.
• From Decatur / East Atlanta: Use Ponce de Leon or Freedom Parkway to head toward Midtown, then navigate north and west to Spring Street.

There is on-site or nearby parking, typically paid. Fees and arrangements can vary, especially during special events or busy weekends, so plan a little extra time to park.

By MARTA

If you’d rather skip driving in Midtown traffic:

• Take either the Red or Gold MARTA rail line to Arts Center Station.
• From the station, it’s roughly a short walk or a brief bus/ride-share ride to the Center on Spring St NW.

This is a convenient option if you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson airport along the MARTA rail lines.

What You’ll Find Inside: Main Areas of the Puppet Museum

1. Worlds of Puppetry Museum

This is the core museum exhibit area, where you can explore the history and variety of puppetry from Atlanta and around the world.

It typically includes two major sections:

• Global Gallery
  Focused on international puppetry traditions, such as:

  • Marionettes
  • Hand puppets
  • Shadow puppets
  • Rod puppets
    You’ll see how different cultures use puppetry in storytelling, religion, festivals, and theater.

• Jim Henson Gallery
  A major highlight for many visitors. This gallery is dedicated to the work of Jim Henson, creator of:

  • The Muppets
  • Sesame Street characters
  • Fraggle Rock and more
    You’ll find original puppets, concept art, props, and behind-the-scenes displays that show how these iconic characters were brought to life.

For many Atlanta families, this part of the museum becomes a regular stop when relatives come into town.

2. Live Puppet Performances

The Center is not just a museum—it’s also a working puppet theater.

You’ll find:

• Family and children’s shows
  Often based on classic tales, children’s books, or seasonal themes. These are typically very interactive and visually engaging for young audiences.

• Teen and adult-focused shows
  Occasionally, the Center presents productions geared more toward older audiences, including original works, adaptations, or touring performances.

Performances are usually ticketed by specific showtime, separate from general museum admission, though combo tickets are often available.

3. Workshops and Hands-On Activities

A big part of the Atlanta puppet museum experience is hands-on creativity.

Common offerings include:

• Create-a-Puppet Workshops
  Kids (and adults) can build a simple puppet related to the show they’re seeing or a theme in the exhibits. These are usually structured so even first-timers can follow along.

• Classes and camps
  For Atlanta-area families and educators, the Center often runs:

  • School programs
  • Homeschool days
  • Summer camps
  • Teacher trainings and curriculum resources
    These are especially useful if you’re looking for arts education options in Atlanta.

If you live in the metro area, it’s worth looking into membership or program packages if you plan to come more than once a year.

Quick Overview: What to Do at the Puppet Museum

Here’s a simple snapshot of the main experiences:

Tickets, Reservations, and Costs

Ticket structures can vary by:

• Museum-only access
• Show-only tickets
• Combo tickets (museum + show + workshop)

In Atlanta, families often find that combo tickets provide the most complete experience—especially if you’re making this a special outing or visiting from out of town.

Consider:

• Buying tickets in advance, especially on:
  • Weekends
  • School holidays
  • Popular show openings
• Arriving early to park, pick up tickets, and settle in before your showtime.

Discounts may sometimes be available for:

• Children
• Seniors
• Groups
• School field trips
• Members

If you’re planning a group visit (like a birthday party, scout troop, or class), it’s usually necessary to arrange details in advance and confirm group pricing.

Is the Puppet Museum Good for Kids?

Yes—this is one of the more kid-friendly museums in Atlanta, especially for ages 3–12.

Highlights for kids:

• Colorful, familiar characters in the Jim Henson gallery
• Shorter, engaging live shows that hold young attention spans
• Hands-on puppet-making workshops
• Staff who are accustomed to working with children and school groups

Tips for Atlanta parents:

• ✅ Check recommended age ranges for each show (some are best for early elementary, others for slightly older kids).
• ✅ Bring a stroller if you’re attending with toddlers; the galleries and lobby areas are generally stroller-friendly.
• ✅ Allow time for bathroom and snack breaks between the museum and performances.

Adult and Date-Night Appeal

Even if you don’t have kids, the puppet museum in Atlanta can be an interesting choice for:

• Date nights in Midtown
  Pair a performance with dinner at nearby restaurants on Peachtree Street or in the Arts District.

• Art and theater enthusiasts
  The technical craftsmanship of the puppets and staging can be fascinating if you’re into design, film, or performance.

• Nostalgia trips
  The Jim Henson gallery is especially appealing if you grew up with The Muppets or Sesame Street.

Some evening events and adult-targeted shows may carry different themes or content than the daytime family programming, so it’s helpful to read the show descriptions beforehand.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

The Center for Puppetry Arts aims to be accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Key points to consider:

• Physical accessibility
  The facility generally accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices. If you or a family member has specific mobility needs, you can call ahead to ask about seating and access.

• Parking and drop-off
  If you’re bringing someone with limited mobility, plan a drop-off at the entrance before parking.

• Sensory considerations
  Some shows can include sound effects, dimmed lighting, or bright colors. If you or your child has sensory sensitivities, it can help to:

  • Sit farther from speakers
  • Choose seats with easier exits
  • Ask staff about show intensity in advance

• Language and education groups
  The Center often works with school and community groups from across metro Atlanta, including those with bilingual or English-learning students.

Visiting from Outside Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and building an itinerary, the Puppet Museum fits well with other Midtown-area attractions such as:

• The Woodruff Arts Center area (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Hall)
• High Museum of Art
• Nearby food and shopping corridors in Midtown

Because it’s in central Atlanta, it’s relatively easy to combine a visit here with:

• Downtown attractions (World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium)
• A walk or ride along Peachtree Street
• A quick train ride from or to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport via MARTA

Who Will Enjoy the Puppet Museum the Most?

The Center for Puppetry Arts tends to be especially rewarding for:

• Families with children looking for a creative, educational outing
• Local Atlanta residents wanting a unique arts experience beyond standard museums
• Teachers and school groups exploring arts education
• Puppet, theater, and Jim Henson fans
• Tourists interested in cultural attractions that are distinctive to Atlanta

If you want something memorable and a bit different from the usual museum visit, the puppet museum in Atlanta is one of the city’s standout options.

Planning Your Puppet Museum Day in Atlanta

To make the most of your visit:

1. Pick your date and time
   Look at museum hours and show schedules and decide whether you’re doing museum-only, a show, or a combo.

2. Buy tickets in advance when possible
   Especially for weekends and holidays.

3. Plan your transportation

   • Drive and park if you’re coming from the suburbs.
   • Use MARTA to Arts Center Station if you’re staying along the rail line.

4. Allow 2–4 hours
   Enough time to:

   • Explore the museum galleries
   • See a performance
   • Do a workshop, if offered with your ticket

5. Consider food plans
   Decide if you’ll eat before or after at one of the many Midtown Atlanta restaurant options.

By planning just a bit ahead, the Center for Puppetry Arts—Atlanta’s puppet museum—can be a smooth, enjoyable part of your day in the city.