Portland Puppet Museum — Attraction in Portland

The Portland Puppet Museum caught my eye as I was riding past on my way to work. After a time, I made it a goal to visit, and it was definitely worth the trip.

Just walking to the door, there are a wide variety of puppets, from the stylized to the realistic. At the time I visited, many of the puppets were holiday/season themed: Santa, elves, a Nativity, and Jack Frost. Alongside these puppets are some truly historic puppets such as Lamb Chop and Topo Gigio.

In addition to the puppets on display, there are videos of puppeteering performances and looks into how some of the more intricate puppets are designed. There are puppets that can be operated by would be puppeteers should inspiration take.

The real Jewel of the collection are not any of the puppets, which are amazing enough as it is. The owner and curator is so knowledgeable about the craft and other puppeteers, that it is possible to spend a lengthy amount of time hearing about the work that he has been involved in.

Go see the puppets. They're wonderful, and you're day might just be...

I can't put into words how much fun this experience was. My friends, partner, and I were in town for a wedding and didn't realize our place would be right around the corner from this absolute gem but once we found out, we knew we had to go! John was absolutely exquisite as he guided us through such incredible tales with the drama of an entire theatre troupe! So many wonderful stories like Ramayan and Medusa, as well as a tour through the details and intricacies of puppetry well beyond the posted signs! I only wish we had more time (or were locals even!!) just to spend more time at this fantastical place! A must-see experience for a couple hours; tip well because they deserve to infinity and beyond! Will definitely come again whenever I am in Portland; keeping an invaluable artform and the child in all of us...

A gem. I've been twice in the last year and seen two completely different exhibits, most recently "Women of the Ancient World". Incredible puppets of all kinds from all over the globe were lovingly displayed both times, with lots of historical details and facts to supplement the stunning visual display. On my first visit co-founder Steve Overton took over an hour to personally host us, answering our questions and sharing fantastic anecdotes from his life as a puppeteer and puppetmaker. On my last visit John gave me a complete tour, again answering my questions and going above and beyond to make sure I had a good time. Put your phone down for an hour and step into the magical, unparalleled reality of the Portland Puppet Museum. You...