Puppetry involves the manipulation of inanimate objects, often resembling people or animals, by a human puppeteer in order to tell a story. The first recorded document pertaining to this ancient form of theater dates back to the 5th century BC in Ancient Greece. However, scholars believe that some forms of puppetry may have originated as far back as 3000 BC.
Lyon pays homage to this art form with two museums. Our favorite was the “Guignol Little Puppet Museum” ( the other one being “The a Museum of World Puppets next to the “Museum of Lyon History”). It’s wide collection of puppets depicts the process of making puppets in France since 1804.
The name “Guignol,” created by Laurent Mourguet, was modeled after a poor silk factory worker who found that his style of slap-stick performances were more rewarding than his chosen profession. “Guignol” became the main character in Mourguet’s French puppet shows. Mourguet soon became one of the world’s greatest puppet masters.
Located in the heart of Old Lyon, the “GuignolLittle Puppet Museum” was opened in 1995. While small in size, it is full of the history of how puppets were (and are still) made and how they work. Since Lorraine had used a puppet back during her professional clown days, we found visiting this museum fascinating.
Lyon pays homage to this art form with two museums. Our favorite was the “Guignol Little Puppet Museum” ( the other one being “The a Museum of World Puppets next to the “Museum of Lyon History”). It’s wide collection of puppets depicts the process of making puppets in France since 1804.
The name “Guignol,” created by Laurent Mourguet, was modeled after a poor silk factory worker who found that his style of slap-stick performances were more rewarding than his chosen profession. “Guignol” became the main character in Mourguet’s French puppet shows. Mourguet soon became one of the world’s greatest puppet masters.
Located in the heart of Old Lyon, the “GuignolLittle Puppet Museum” was opened in 1995. While small in size, it is full of the history of how puppets were (and are still) made and how they work. Since Lorraine had used a puppet back during her professional clown days, we found visiting this museum fascinating.
Situated on Rue Saint Jean in Old Lyon, this history of puppetry Museum is a fascinating place to visit.
Looking through the entrance, this appears to be just another souvenir/gift shop...
But once you go to the back of the store and pay your admission fee, you enter a whole new world.
The museum part of this establishment is crammed with puppets of all types...
...depicting the history of this art form in France from 1804.
Puppets showing how to make puppets (clever idea)...
...including models showing the development of puppet heads.
What a wonderful experience!
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