Important Notice: The museum is currently closed until 2026.
Nestled in the heart of Tbilisi, the Puppet Museum was established in 1937 by the beloved children’s author Tinatin Tumanishvili. Despite facing challenges, including a robbery at the end of the 20th century that left it shuttered for nearly sixteen years, the museum reopened its doors to the public in 2008. Since then, it has become a cherished destination for visitors who have a passion for the enchanting world of puppetry.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 3,000 puppets, crafted during the 19th and 20th centuries by talented artists from India, China, Japan, and various European countries. A notable highlight of the collection is its unique selection of one-of-a-kind puppets, meticulously created by local artisans specifically for the museum.
Visitors to the Puppet Museum can explore a diverse array of exhibits, including ethnographic puppets, marionettes, and mechanical music puppets, all made from materials such as porcelain, wood, ivory, and even pumpkin. Many of the puppets feature interchangeable parts, allowing for delightful customization with different headdresses, shoes, and musical instruments.
Among the most popular puppets in the collection are whimsical characters like ‘Bedouin,’ ‘The Plane in Love,’ and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring.’ The dynamic and mechanical puppets deserve special attention, with some even boasting personal names, such as ‘Eliso the Pianist’ and ‘Marine,’ the charming puppet known for blowing soap bubbles. The museum proudly showcases unique pieces from over forty countries, including a musical instrumental ensemble, flamenco dancers, an oriental dancer, and an Indian tribe leader, each one sure to capture your imagination and leave you in awe.
Address: D. Agmashenebeli Ave.103, Tbilisi, Georgia
Phone: (+995 32) 2305 001
Working hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 a.m. till 05:00 p.m.
Closed: on Monday
