Center for Puppetry Arts' Expansion Slated for Fall 2015 Completion

Serving as a cultural landmark in Atlanta for more than 35 years, the Center for Puppetry Arts is an inspiration to all ages through the art and traditions of puppetry. As the highly anticipated expansion and renovation project comes to fruition, the Center is unveiling previously unreleased details on its Global Collection gallery in their new permanent museum exhibition, Worlds of Puppetry. The gallery will be comprised of more than 170 puppets and artifacts, spanning five continents and showcasing various cultures across the world. Slated to open in fall 2015, the completed Museum will also include the Jim Henson Collection gallery, which will be the nation's most comprehensive exhibit of Jim Henson's artifacts.

"In our soon-to-open Global Collection gallery, visitors will be able to connect with their past through cultural and ethnic traditions exemplified," said Executive Director Vincent Anthony. "Center patrons will soon have the chance to explore even more puppets of Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa, as well as to understand their use in teaching and as tools of communication."

The Global Collection gallery will be organized by continent, allowing Center guests to absorb a wide array of information offered via the rich and contextual displays. The gallery will engage creative minds as scenic displays and hands-on interactives provide context and encourage patrons to immerse themselves in puppetry traditions from around the world.

Highlights of the Global Collection include the popular stop-motion clay animated Gumby and Pokey, as well as examples of the iconic European hand puppets Punch and Judy. Developed as prototypes for the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King, Julie Taymor's Mufasa mask will join the Scar mask as part of the exhibit's animal collection. The North American section of the Global Collection will also include a marionette from popular 20th century puppeteer Bil Baird. Of the more than 170 puppets and artifacts to be displayed in the exhibit, two pieces date back to the Pre-Columbian era, making them the oldest pieces in the Center's collection. Also included are Bunraku puppets from Japan, water puppets from Vietnam and shadow puppets from Indonesia.

Finished with the groundbreaking stages of development, the Center is now nearing completion of the steel frame and will soon begin constructing the roof and exterior walls. Other aspects of the project include an expanded Museum Store, a new library and a new archival storage space.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will remain open throughout the expansion and renovation process. Current museum exhibits will close May 25 for construction, but performances and workshops will continue. The grand opening of the new museum is set for this fall. Information on supporting the Believe in Make Believe campaign is available online at www.puppet.org/BelieveInMakeBelieve.