The International Mask and Puppet Museum Inc. is a unique museum, dedicated to the seamless boundaries of imagination and creativity, while also promoting awareness amongst visitor about the finer nuances of this enchanting craft.
Established in 1980, the Museum first began as an experimental Masks and Puppets Theater. Today, the museum houses one of the most eclectic collections of masks and puppets in the world which spans several diverse cultures and regions throughout the world. Here, you can find exquisite masks from the African East Coast, masks and Day of the Dead artifacts from Mexico, English Marionettes and shadow masks from India. The Museum also conducts eight touring shows and educational programs like "The Chocolate War" which teaches children how to deal with issues like bulling in a creative way. "The Stonecutter" is yet another quaint folklore from Japan which encourages the feelings caring and self-esteem amongst viewers. The interactive workshops are designed to be as interactive and lively as possible to reach out to children of all ages. The "Monkey Business" workshop brings the Open Hand Theater into your classroom and engages children in a captivating performance of "Hats for Sale".
The International Mask and Puppet Museum also organizes the traveling museum program where the staff literally brings some of the most exquisite collections of masks and puppets to your school. Budding theater artists can hone their skills in the several vacation camps which are conducted here.
You can also stop by for the acclaimed "A World of Puppets" performance series which are held on the first 2 Saturdays of every month. You can also visit the magnificent interiors of the castle on North Salina Street, which dates back to 1890, which the Open Hand Theater plans to adopt as a stupendous platform for art programs. The museum gift shop allows you to browse through a vast collection of quaint memorabilia like puppet dolls and literature, which make great gift ideas.
You can visit the Open House Theater International Mask and Puppet Museum by appointment between 10 am and 4 pm on Fridays or stop by for the Saturday performances which are conducted between 10 am and noon. The Gift shop is open before and after performances on Saturdays and from 10 am to 4 pm on Fridays.
For further information, you can refer to the website www.openhandtheater.org or call the museum at (315) 426-8990.
The Open House Theater International Mask and Puppet Museum
518 Prospect Ave
Syracuse, NY 13208
