
The prestigious Kresge Foundation awarded the Center three different grants to support its capital campaigns. The Ford Foundation selected the Center as one of only 28 national organizations to be recognized for success in management and innovative programs. In addition, the Center has been recognized both nationally and internationally as an organization for excellence. Through the years, the Center has been a leading voice in the field, and has hosted numerous conferences and festivals. The Center reaches the community through its focus on core programming: performance, museum, and education. Since its inception, the Center has worked to serve the diverse populations of Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and the world at large.

The Center produces 600+ performances a year, offers 50+ types of educational programs, presents programming through digital platforms in all 50 states and more than 44 countries, and the in-house Worlds of Puppetry Museum is home to more than 5000 puppets and artifacts, including one of the largest collections of Jim Henson puppets in the world. The first puppetry center in the United States, today it is the largest American organization solely dedicated to the art of puppet theater. The Center for Puppetry Arts opened to the public on September 23, 1978, when Kermit the Frog and his creator Jim Henson cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ mission is to inspire imagination, education and community through the global art of puppetry. Since 1978, the Center has introduced millions of visitors to the wonder and art of puppetry and has touched the lives of many through enchanting performances, curriculum-based workshops, and the hands-on Museum, as well as Digital Learning and Outreach Programs. The Center for Puppetry Arts is a unique cultural treasure - a magical place where children and adults are educated, enlightened and entertained.
