For decades, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre in Central Park has been bringing enjoyment to legions of people through its contemporary and innovative marionette productions based on children’s classics.
Beginning January 18, 2024, Bessie’s Big Shot will return to the Cottage! In this fun and high-flying, family-friendly adventure, Bessie the cow dreams of joining the circus. But can she lift more than Ziegfried, the strongest man in the world? Fly on the trapeze high above the crowd? Come root Bessie on in this variety show as she attempts the impossible and searches for her special talents. See the show Thursday-Sunday at 11AM and 1PM.
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre is not available for birthday party rentals at this time. Please check back on our website for any updates to that policy.
* No refunds or exchanges will be given or accepted. For more information on school group rates, please call (212) 879 0794 or email swedishcottage@cityparksfoundation.org
Proof of vaccination, temperature checks, and health screenings are no longer required to enter the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre. Masks are strongly encouraged.
Location
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre is located at West 79th Street & West Drive, inside Central Park. Find walking directions here. Find a map through the park to the cottage here.
Contact
For more information please contact (212) 988-9093.
For more information on school group rates, please call (212) 988-9093 or email swedishcottage@
Please note: Tickets must be purchased in advance online; walk-up tickets will not be available for purchase at the venue. No refunds or exchanges will be given or accepted.
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre was imported to the U.S. in 1876 as Sweden’s exhibit for the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The enchanting Swedish architecture and craftsmanship of the structure, suggestive of a model schoolhouse, caught the eye of Frederick Law Olmsted, who brought it to Central Park in 1877.
A traveling marionette company was founded in 1939 and in 1947 the Swedish Cottage became home to the company. In 1973, a permanent theater was constructed inside the Swedish Cottage, designed for marionette performances. Since then, hundreds of thousands of children and families from around the world have enjoyed its original productions.
Every year, the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre takes the show on the road from Central Park to the five boroughs. Our CityParks PuppetMobile, the oldest continually operating company of its kind in the country, presents free performances and puppet-making workshops in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and schools throughout New York City.
Generous private support for the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre is provided by the Connelly Foundation in memory of Judith Connelly Delouvrier, The Weininger Foundation, and Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. In partnership with NYC Parks and Historic House Trust.
We bring New Yorkers together in their parks by offering free programs. Although our programming is temporarily suspended, parks remain open to find solace, to exercise, and to remain healthy. Please give now if you can so that we can be back in parks soon.
