International Puppet Museum Antonio Pasqualino

Exploring the history and tradition of puppet theatre

Founded in 1975 by the Association for the Conservation of Folk Traditions, the International Puppet Museum was created with the aim of preserving the art of puppet theatre. Antonio Pasqualino, founder of the Association, was a surgeon who dedicated much of his time and research to rediscovering this tradition, starting with the customs and traditions belonging to his homeland, Sicily.

In fact, it was a collection of Sicilian puppets that first went on display in the museum. Today, inside the former Hotel de France in Palermo, it houses over 5,000 pieces, including marionettes, puppets and stage equipment from all over the world. 

As well as exhibiting various collections, the museum is also home to the Giuseppe Leggio Library, with numerous volumes on puppetry, a bookshop and a room for theatre productions. The latter is always able to put on innovative shows, thanks to the Association’s ongoing research, which allows shows to strike the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.