Marionette Museum

Marionette Museum is a destination for anyone eager to explore. Here is where you will find marionettes from around the world. These marionettes are collector’s items full of history and culture. To learn more about the history of marionettes, Marionette Museum is the perfect location.

USA. “Cosmo” Wood Marionette Wizard (Toy).

Italy. 20^th Century Toy “Pinocchio” Wood Marionette.

Great Britain. “Corporal Frank” soldier string wood marionette 1950’s.

Great Britain. “Bingo” Black Vaudeville string wood marionette circa 1950s (Toy).

Unk. Origin. Large extremely heavy wood (solid) elephant, no name, probably used in ceremonies. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Central America/Mexico. Ceremonial, string, two character (front/ back) marionette. Hands, feet made of clay. Soft body. Unk. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

USA. Charlie Chaplin Doll with ceramic hands, feet and head, soft, stuffed arms, trunk and legs. Excellent likeness of silent film star. – 20^th Century

USA. “Bradley” Large, soft, ventriloquist “Lap” Puppet. A rod is used to move hand and arm. Mouth control is from behind the head. Entertainment. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

“Gatsby”. A Stringed Marionette. 20^th Century Entertainment Toy.

Marionettes are hard to make and complex to operate but best for display of body movement (dancing, combat, flying, etc.).

Italy. “Adolfo” Victorian Knight String Marionette

Use of thin metal (tin) in his costume. Marionettes such as “Adolpho” were used (17^th, 18^th Century) to send public service and political messages to the general public, in parks, plazas, and festivals (carnivals, markets, etc.). CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

“Prince Abdul” Elaborate Wood Figure (Asian features)

A single rod at back for control, probably used mostly for ceremonies. Note detail work on costume. The making of puppets/marionettes and their costumes in some cultures is sometimes undertaken by entire families. In ritualistic fashion, the family will pray together in seclusion, make/create the puppet and its costume, then when completed celebrate a “birth” of sorts with flowers and incense.

Unk. Origin. Example of a rod operated Shadow Puppet.

Shadow Puppets are held against a translucent screen with a light behind it. The puppeteer manipulates rods that are attached to the figure’s limbs, etc. This art form seems to have its origin in Southeast Asia – Indonesia, Thailand and Cambodia. Shadow Puppet art is a folk tradition in China and India as well, which dates back to the 16^th Century. Unlike a Shadow Puppet, a Rod Puppet is not behind a screen, its operator(s) work from below the stage with rods and wires. Ancient Rod Puppets have elaborate costumes that are complex and beautiful.

It was around the 17^th Century the Shadow Puppet Theaters appeared in Europe (France, England, Germany). CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

VISIT MORE MUSEUMS & SHOPS

Berry's Workshop

Welcome to Puppet Avenue, a fun street to visit. Enjoy the many wooden puppets carefully handcrafted in Berry’s Workshop. Whether you are browsing the latest addition of Berry’s Blockhead Collection or placing an order for a puppet of your own, Berry’s Workshop is the place to go

Collectible Corner

Want to pick up something from the gift shop? Collectible Corner is a crafty and unique boutique with beautiful hand-crafted items you can order. Whether it is a greeting card made from beautiful fabric or earrings made with colorful beads, you are bound to enjoy shopping here.