The Marionette Museum – A Journey Through the Magic of Puppetry
Do you have fond memories of childhood puppet shows? Maybe you had a favorite marionette in particular that you couldn’t wait to watch each time the show came to town. If so, you’ll want to plan a visit to the Marionette Museum in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Marionette Museum is a unique place dedicated to the art of puppetry. It’s a fascinating journey through the history of marionettes, featuring a wide range of exhibits and activities that will delight both children and adults alike. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable museum.
History of the Marionette Museum
The Marionette Museum was founded in 1986 by the late Zdenek Sklenar, a renowned puppeteer and marionette maker from Prague. Sklenar’s passion for puppets was evident in the museum’s collection, which features over 1,000 marionettes from all over the world. He also established the Marionette Academy, which offers courses and workshops on puppet making and manipulation.
The museum has gone through a number of changes over the years, including a move to a new location in Prague’s Old Town in 2002, and a renovation in 2011. Today, the museum is run by Sklenar’s daughter, Jana Dittrichova, who continues to expand the collection and promote the art of puppetry.
What to Expect at the Marionette Museum
The Marionette Museum is a great place to explore the history and art of puppetry. The museum’s permanent collection includes over 1,000 marionettes from all around the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The collection is arranged in chronological order, so visitors can trace the evolution of puppetry from its earliest origins to the present day.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of interactive activities. The museum offers puppet-making workshops and marionette shows, as well as puppet theatre performances. There’s also a puppet theatre for children, where they can watch puppet shows and try their hand at puppet manipulation.
In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included “The Magic of the Marionette Theatre” and “Czech Puppetry Through the Ages”.
Location and Hours
The Marionette Museum is located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, at the corner of Svatovitska and Kostnicka streets. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
Conclusion
The Marionette Museum is a unique and fascinating place to explore the art of puppetry. With its wide range of exhibits and interactive activities, the museum is sure to delight both children and adults alike. So if you’re looking for a unique way to spend a day in Prague, be sure to stop by the Marionette Museum and take a journey through the magic of puppetry!