A fabulous museum of historic giant puppets....very rural and interesting; talented participants; lefty political messages (all welcome to just listen). A gem in VT's Northeast Kingdom...
On our drive from Quebec to the White Mtns, I just happened to glance through the Fodors guide to read about what to see in Vermont. I then made my husband stop at this place - not super easy to find, our gps didn't work well in this area, and there aren't any road signs that we encountered. But it was WELL worth it. I loved this unique museum. And unique doesn't begin to cover it - words don't begin to describe it! This museum is part protest march, part poetry, part history, part diorama/mobiles/paintings and puppets of all sizes - all amazing! Like entering an alternate universe or Wonderland. Now I must go and see one of their shows!
Beautiful, colorful and big puppets used in politically and socially inspired theatre, from the 50's till the present.
Tripped across this last summer and now it will forever be on my list of things to do. Thank you to the people who keep this organized. It is a rare treat to experience. Visitors please donate as this is an event that should go on and on and on....
Step back in time and enjoy activist art. Overwhelming visit trough this abundant collection. Definitely need to go back and enjoy a show.
This is an amazing experience. Having a rainy day? Too cold to go swimming? Take a drive to this place and plan to be charmed, amused and moved by the puppets on display. You can pick up some "Cheap Art" and, if the extremely creative works of Peter Schuman and company don't do it for you, enjoy the amazing vernacular architecture of the barn itself. It's like a gigantic sculpture all on it's own. I don't think there's anything like this anywhere within a 300 mile radius...or maybe in the world. So, see this one!
Having gone to the Bread and Puppet Theater and Domestic Resurrection Circus in decades past we thought it was high time to go again to see the museum. The farm website gives clear directions and schedule. The concept of Bread and Puppet is a free, cheap, low budget, social awareness/activism creative dramatic project. The museum (self serve) in a big old barn is worth a walk through if nothing else. If you can see a show, it is well worth the time and it costs nothing, with donations accepted. Anyone expecting guides or docents will be sadly disappointed. Anyone looking for a rich collection of props from past performances will be richly rewarded. "Art is cheap!"
I can honestly say I have never been anywhere like this. The museum is in an old barn with uneven floors, over two floors. There is no entry charge but they do ask for donations and they ask you (quite rightly) to make sure you switch the lights off in each section as you go round. The museum is full of various puppets from many of their shows going right back to the 1960s. They are truly outstanding and I would advise anyone in the area to take the time to visit. They also have lots of cards, books, posters, etc for sale, with an honour system for paying. This was another place that I found on the roadsideamerica.com website which is a treasure trove of interesting and just plain weird things to see. I loved it and was so pleased that we took the time to go there.
Visit the "museum" housing marvellous scenes from previous productions on every imaginable scale in a massive barn which is worth the trip alone. If you are in luck, the Circus will be on, held in a large grassy bowl, with all the delights of a traditional circus interlaced with strong political opinions. If nothing else, where on earth can you come face to face with a domesticated Siberian Rhino? A truly great way to spend an afternoon....art comes to life....
We had heard of the museum and decided a sunny fall day was right. We meandered through the Vermont countryside. At the time of the visit nobody was there. You can walk right in and stay as long as you want viewing the two floors. It is a big old open barn- so dress warm if it is cool. Outhouses available for your use. The artwork, history and outlook on our world were congruent with my perspective. Oohing forward to a live performance soon