The new wing also includes films, sketches, and other materials from the Jim Henson Company archives. On Jthe Center announced the opening of a new Jim Henson Wing, which houses anywhere from 500 to 700 retired Muppets, including those from Fraggle Rock, The Muppet Show, and Sesame Street. 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 country at large. That first season, the Center mounted an exhibition of puppets, presented shows for adults and families, and hosted community-based workshops and activities that continue to this day. In 1978, Anthony found a permanent home in the former Spring Street Elementary School and the Center was born. They created a successful touring company that traveled around the southeast and presented several seasons at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center. Vince's vision was to create a center that would promote puppetry and become a vital part of the community. Together with Mitchell Edmonds, with whom he'd worked at Nicolo, they decided to move to Atlanta to create their own company - The Vagabond Marionettes.

By 1966, he was ready for a smaller community where he could be an active partner and make a difference.

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.Ī young puppeteer from Florida, Vincent Anthony, began touring with Nicolo Marionettes under the tutelage of Nicholas Coppola-based out of New York City.

Center for puppetry