Museo del Títere de Cadiz (The Puppet Museum of Cadiz), Cadiz

The Puppet Museum of Cadiz offers a delightful and unexpected window into the world of puppetry. Opened in 2012 and spread across eighteen restored vaults of a former military site, the museum covers over 1,500 square meters across two levels. It was established to document, preserve, and celebrate the legacy of puppeteers, companies, and artisans from both Spain and across the globe.

The entrance, through the old fire station patio, leads to a landscaped courtyard that now hosts open-air performances and activities tied to Cádiz’s vibrant International Puppet Festival.

Inside, visitors encounter a rich and diverse permanent collection, including the captivating “Marionettes of the World” exhibition-featuring over 350 international puppets collected by Ismael Peña-as well as the beloved La Tía Norica ensemble, a local puppet troupe with over two centuries of history.

This collection, recognized with Spain’s Gold Medal for Merit in Fine Arts, includes more than 500 objects, from wooden hand puppets to intricately crafted backdrops and props.