Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts has grown steadily since pioneering puppet master Jim Henson (with a little help from Kermit the Frog) cut the ceremonial opening-day ribbon in 1978. Plans are now under way to renovate and expand the 35-year old facility, including a new museum and more room for the Muppets and Henson’s legacy.
In 2007, Henson’s family gave the center a large assortment of puppets and props from the late puppeteer (1936-1990); about half the expanded museum’s space will be dedicated to Henson’s creativity. Visitors will see the interactive exhibits “Jim’s World” and the “Television Studio,” as well as puppets from “Sesame Street,” “The Muppet Show,” “Fraggle Rock,” The Dark Crystal and Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas, plus icons Miss Piggy, Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Big Bird, Elmo, Grover, Bert and Ernie.
Remaining space in the updated museum will house the center’s global collection, featuring puppetry traditions from various cultures and exhibits from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
The center will be open during the renovation, due for completion in 2015. See the plans for the new space HERE.
