Puppetry Arts Institute — Attraction in Independence

On a recent trip to the KC,MO area in mid-April, I & a friend "happened upon" this place, while waiting for the restaurant across the street to open. We got a "mini-tour", by a knowledgeable volunteer, but we wanted MORE, MORE, MORE!!! We are so, so sorry that we didn't know more about this place & allowed ourselves more time to learn about Hazelle Rollins , a KC puppeteer, who operated one of the most famous puppet factories in the USA. This structure now houses a museum of memorabilia & many of her string-puppets, a gift shop, workshops for young & old using parts from the original factory, available puppet parts & repair, a puppet library, puppet shows, etc. The locals call the PAI the "hidden gem" of Independence!! We were "awe-inspired"!!!! Please check it out, if you are in the area. A "happy place" for young & old!! I promise you won't be...

Fun, interactive puppet show - No wonder puppetry is so dear in the hearts of many! This was a pretty small place, but I would not have wanted it any larger. One small room had puppets from around the world, another had marionnettes of Hazelle (neat variety), and another room had a puppet stage and some seats where you can put on your own shows. Rotating exhibits of special marionettes (there was an egg-juggling chicken marionette!) There are tables for constructing sleeve puppets, but I think the puppet show was the better option. The gift area has an arcade sort of thing with puppetry in a box - nifty! Super nice people volunteering here. They really need a good photographer to attract people that visit their website (and a new website design would...

We arrived in the early afternoon, but the ladies working didn't think there was time for puppet making, so call ahead if you want to make a puppet yourself. Price is about $10/puppet. we had a free tour instead(with the option to leave a donation). Then we put on our own puppet shows with an 8yr and 6 yr old. Interesting museum! This is a quaint little hidden gem you shouldn't miss! Warning: be mindful and careful with those curious little toddlers who have to touch everything - some of the museum marionettes are displayed at toddler height! It would be a nightmare if those puppet strings...