Exhibition | All Ages | Our Location
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Celebrating Art, Story, and Innovation

Experience the wonder of puppetry in a whole new way through the Center for Puppetry Arts’ rotating special exhibitions. Each exhibition invites visitors to dive deeper into the art form—exploring the history, craft, and cultural impact of puppetry from around the world.

Discover behind-the-scenes stories from beloved productions, see rare artifacts and original puppets up close, and learn how artists bring imagination to life through movement and design. With new themes and displays throughout the year, there’s always something fresh and inspiring to discover for visitors of all ages.

Festive Features

November 9-December 28

Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to this festive hall of puppets. This year’s new additions bring lesser-known stories and artists to the forefront and highlight traditions from both Jewish and Christian holidays. Festive Features showcases a curated collection of puppets from holiday productions on the stage and screen. The fan-favorite pieces include a pair of original Santa and Rudolph stop-motion puppets from the 1964 Rankin/Bass television special of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, alongside new additions like Charlie Horse and his King Antiochus costume from the 1995 TV movie, Lamb Chop’s Special Chanukah.

Puppetry has been used for centuries in regions and cultures across the world, carrying religious stories, translating religion and lessons to the public, and passing folk traditions from generation to generation. There is no better setting to feel the unity, joy, and shared humanity of the holiday season than a trip to the Center for Puppetry Arts.

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Special Exhibitions are included in Admission to the Jim Henson Collection, Global Collection, and Family Series and Adults performance tickets, November 9-December 28

Upcoming Special Exhibitions


Puppetry NOW: 20 Years Chasing the Rolling Cart by Tom Lee

February 12-May 17, 2026

Discover 20 Years Chasing the Rolling Cart, a special exhibition celebrating two decades of puppeteer Tom Lee’s groundbreaking work. Blending traditional Japanese kuruma ningyō puppetry with modern techniques like live video and miniature sets, Lee’s creations tell powerful, cross-cultural stories.

From acclaimed works like Shank’s Mare to behind-the-scenes designs and puppets, this immersive exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and innovation of one of contemporary puppetry’s leading voices.

Frame by Frame: The Art of Stop-Motion Puppetry

June 12-November 1, 2026

Frame by Frame: The Art of Stop-Motion Puppetry invites visitors to explore the meticulous craft and boundless creativity behind one of animation’s most beloved techniques. This special exhibition at the Center for Puppetry Arts showcases the intricate puppets, sets, and storytelling methods that bring stop-motion films to life—one frame at a time. From classic favorites to contemporary masterpieces, guests can discover how artists blend sculpture, movement, and imagination to create unforgettable worlds on screen.