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.
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.
Location
West 79th Street & West Drive, Central Park | MAP
Walking directions to the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Birthday Parties, Group Rates & Rentals
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 private party. Group rates are available for schools and non-profit organizations. The Swedish Cottage is an approved vendor of the NYC Department of Education.
Contact
For more information please contact swedishcottage@cityparksfoundation.org.
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Generous private support is provided by The Weininger Foundation, the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, and The Prescott Fund for Children and Youth. In partnership with NYC Parks and Historic House Trust.
Follow our easy tutorial, using simple materials found around the house. In just a few easy steps, you’ll be able to make your own unicorn puppet, based on our new show, Wake Up, Daisy!. We’d love to see your creations! Post your puppet and tag @cpfnyc.
Download our fun activity book for kids to follow along as you watch The Princess, The Emperor and The Duck!
Perfect for educators, parents and kids (Grades: Pre-K – 3), enjoy different activities you can do at home while learning more about the Swedish Cottage, the art of marionette puppetry and the story.
Click to download our custom coloring pages from our past shows at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre! Print them out or save them to open up on a digital application. Share your creations with us! Email it to us at contests@cityparksfoundation.org or share via social and tag us @cpfnyc
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.
