Puppetry Arts Institute 11025 East Winner Road, Independence, MO 64052

"We arrived in the early afternoon, but the ladies working didn't think there was time for puppet making, so call ahead if you want to make a puppet yourself. Price is about $10/puppet. we had a free tour instead(with the option to leave a donation). Then we put on our own puppet shows with an 8yr and 6 yr old. Interesting museum! This is a quaint little hidden gem you shouldn't miss! Warning: be mindful and careful with those curious little toddlers who have to touch everything - some of the museum marionettes are displayed at toddler height! It would be a nightmare if those puppet strings got tangled up!"

"On a recent trip to the KC,MO area in mid-April, I & a friend "happened upon" this place, while waiting for the restaurant across the street to open. We got a "mini-tour", by a knowledgeable volunteer, but we wanted MORE, MORE, MORE!!! We are so, so sorry that we didn't know more about this place & allowed ourselves more time to learn about Hazelle Rollins , a KC puppeteer, who operated one of the most famous puppet factories in the USA. This structure now houses a museum of memorabilia & many of her string-puppets, a gift shop, workshops for young & old using parts from the original factory, available puppet parts & repair, a puppet library, puppet shows, etc. The locals call the PAI the "hidden gem" of Independence!! We were "awe-inspired"!!!! Please check it out, if you are in the area. A "happy place" for young & old!! I promise you won't be disappointed!!!"

"A fun family place, they've been around for 20 years. They have shows, workshops, a museum and gift shop. Quite the little gem for anyone who still appreciates Muppets...er, I mean puppets. ;)"

"Fun, interactive puppet show - No wonder puppetry is so dear in the hearts of many! This was a pretty small place, but I would not have wanted it any larger. One small room had puppets from around the world, another had marionnettes of Hazelle (neat variety), and another room had a puppet stage and some seats where you can put on your own shows. Rotating exhibits of special marionettes (there was an egg-juggling chicken marionette!) There are tables for constructing sleeve puppets, but I think the puppet show was the better option. The gift area has an arcade sort of thing with puppetry in a box - nifty! Super nice people volunteering here. They really need a good photographer to attract people that visit their website (and a new website design would be nice too)."

"We enjoyed a full day at the Engelwood Art District yesterday! We enjoyed our first visit to the world renowned fun and interactive Puppetry Arts Institute for a tour with Craig and Ann. They were so welcoming and Craig, made the girls laugh as he showed the girls one of his favorite puppets - he is great with the kids! The girls loved playing with the puppets and we will go back to make a puppet! Highly recommend taking a tour, signing your kids up for the puppetry camp this week and meeting the delightful owners! Thanks to Ann and Craig for a great time!"