Home \ Attractions \

Attractions Alice in Wonderland Andrew H. Green Bench Arsenal Artist's Gate Balto Bandshell Belvedere Castle Bethesda Terrace - Bethesda Fountain Bridges of Central Park - Bow Bridge - Gapstow Bridge - Greyshot Arch - Greywacke Arch - Inscope Arch - Trefoil Arch Carousel Cherry Hill Children's Zoo Conservatory Garden Conservatory Water Dairy Delacorte Music Clock Delacorte Theatre Discovery Center Grand Army Plaza Great Lawn Hallett Nature Sanctuary Hans Christian Andersen Harlem Meer Heckscher Ballfields Heckscher Playground Lake Lasker Pool & Rink Loch Loeb Boathouse Mall Nature Observatory North Meadow Obelisk Pond Ramble Reservoir Shakespeare Garden Sheep Meadow Still Hunt Strawberry Fields SummerStage Summit Rock Swedish Cottage Tavern on the Green Tennis Center Turtle Pond Victorian Gardens Wollman Rink

For over fifty years, puppeteers have been bringing to life magical tales of princesses, paupers, genies, and giants to hundreds

John B. Moore The Swedish Cottage in Central Park.

of youngsters and their parents at Central Park's Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater.

The Marionette Theater originated as a 19th century schoolhouse designed for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia as an example of Swedish building design. At the end of the exposition, the NYC Parks Department purchased the schoolhouse for $1,500 and moved it to its present site.

For many years the cottage was used as a tool shed. It was then converted into a comfort station, much to the chagrin of Swedish-Americans everywhere. After numerous complaints were lodged over this use the building was remodeled as the Park's entomological laboratory. Finally, in 1947, the building was redesigned as a small children’s theater and design workshop. The company formed in 1939 is one of the few public marionette companies left in America. The production is created completely at the theater. The puppeteers write their own scripts, design and construct their own puppets and produce every show themselves.

In the fall of 1997 a complete restoration of the building – interior and exterior – was undertaken; it was rededicated in May 1998. Today visitors can enjoy the whimsical Scandinavian details inside the theater, along with seating for 100 children, central air conditioning, and a larger, state-of-the-art stage for more sophisticated productions. The original Baltic fir exterior was completely refurbished and details such as the second floor balcony were reconstructed.

The building is easily identifiable by the American and Swedish flags flying from its roof. It is presently the headquarters for the Citywide Puppets in the Parks program, which is supported by the not-for-profit City Parks Foundation.

Location: West Side at 79th Street

Video: NBC News video about the Marionette Theater

Pippi At The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre!

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is proud to present an all new interpretation of the classic Pippi Longstocking tales by Astrid Lindgren.  This innovative production, titled "Pippi" has been adapted for the stage by award winning playwright Zakiyyah Alexander.  Over twenty, all new, hand-made marionettes have been painstakingly crafted by puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage.

RESERVATIONS Reservations are required. Tickets are $6/adults, $5/children. Group rates are available for schools and other large groups. For reservations, group rates, and information on private birthday parties, please call 212-988-9093.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES The Cottage features a unique party room adjacent to the theater that comes equipped with child-size furniture, making it an ideal spot to host your child's next birthday party. The Theatre holds up to 100 people and the party room provides seating for up to 30 children.

Details:
* Showtimes: Tuesdays thru Fridays - 2 performances a day at 10:30am & 12 noon. Saturdays & Sundays one show at 1pm.
* Tickets: Children $5; Adults $6
* Group discounts for schools, camps, and non-profit organizations
* Reservations required
* Further information: 212-988-9093
* Birthday parties, available afternoons: call well in advance of the date you have in mind.

Schedule information

Join Our Newsletter Want to keep up with what's going on in Central Park? Sign up for one or all of our newsletters! We will NEVER share your address.	Weekly Newsletter (?) Special Edition (?) Monthly Newsletter (?)