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New Broadway Puppetry Exhibit at The Museum of Broadway This Summer

June 18, 2026

If your kids have ever wondered how a tiger can come to life on stage, or how beloved Broadway characters move, blink, and interact with performers, a new exhibit at The Museum of Broadway offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the magic.

The Craft of Broadway Puppetry is a new special exhibition that celebrates the creativity, craftsmanship, and artistry behind some of Broadway's most memorable puppets. Located in the heart of Times Square, The Museum of Broadway is inviting visitors of all ages to explore how puppets are designed, built, and brought to life for the stage. The exhibit shines a spotlight on the acclaimed Broadway production of Life of Pi, featuring animal puppets from both the Broadway production and national tour.

Families can step inside a recreated puppet-building workshop and discover the many stages of the creative process. Original concept drawings, prototypes, scale models, and videos help tell the story of how Broadway puppets evolve from an idea on paper into a fully realized character on stage.

In addition to the Life of Pi puppets, visitors will also see famous creations from several popular Broadway productions, including:

  • Trekkie Monster from Avenue Q
  • Olaf from Disney's Frozen
  • An Oompa Loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
  • Pudgy from BOOP! The Musical

The Museum of Broadway

The exhibit is designed to inspire future artists, builders, designers, and theater lovers while offering a unique look at an art form many audiences enjoy but rarely get to see up close. The Museum of Broadway's permanent collection will also feature expanded displays highlighting the creation of puppets from productions including The Lion King, Avenue Q, and Into the Woods.

Whether your family loves Broadway, enjoys hands-on creativity, or is simply looking for an educational and entertaining NYC outing, this exhibit offers a fun way to discover what happens behind the curtain.

Admission to The Craft of Broadway Puppetry is included with regular museum admission and museum memberships. The Museum of Broadway features three floors of interactive exhibits, costumes, props, artwork, and behind-the-scenes experiences that explore the history and creation of Broadway shows, making it a fun destination for theater fans of all ages.

For tickets and additional information, visit the Museum of Broadway website. The Museum offers a 25% discount to NY/NJ/CT/PA residents and a group deal for buy 3 tickets and get 1 free for parties of 4 or more.