The history of the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theater begins in 1933, when a small puppet studio was established at the West Siberian Theater for Young Spectators. Its founders were director Mikhail Kisits and actress Regina Landis. They not only staged plays but also created puppets, wrote scripts, and trained future performers.
On May 1, 1934, the first performance took place—”Petrushka Visiting Schoolchildren.” It was a resounding success: tens of thousands of spectators attended the theater during its first season. This marked the beginning of the rapid development of puppetry in Novosibirsk.
In 1936, the theater became an independent organization. Over the years, it was led by talented directors and designers, who shaped its unique production style. Gradually, performances based on Russian classics and folk tales were added to the repertoire.
Theatre during the Great Patriotic War
The Great Patriotic War marks a special chapter in the theater’s history. During this time, the Central Puppet Theater, under the direction of the legendary Sergei Obraztsov, was evacuated to Novosibirsk. The Novosibirsk theater became its branch, which significantly influenced the professional level of local artists.
The artists performed not only in the city but also traveled to the front, hospitals, and frontline areas. Puppet shows boosted the soldiers’ morale, helped the wounded escape the hardships of everyday life, and gave them hope. It was during these years that the theater’s unique mission was formed: to spread kindness, support, and faith through art.
Post-war development and touring
After the war, the theater experienced rapid growth: the troupe expanded, new productions appeared, and audiences grew. In the 1950s and 1960s, Novosibirsk puppeteers toured throughout the country and abroad, performing in cities across Central Asia and other regions.
Every year, the theater presented hundreds of performances, attended by tens of thousands of spectators. It became an important part of the cultural life not only of Novosibirsk but of all of Siberia.
The modern stage
For a long time, the theater lacked its own building, and it was only at the end of the 20th century that it found a permanent home. In 1999, a modern building opened on Lenin Street, combining historical architecture with new stage facilities.
Today, the theater actively participates in international festivals, collaborates with international companies, and constantly updates its repertoire. Its repertoire includes over 60 performances for audiences of all ages, from children to adults.
Theatre Today: A Space of Comfort and Magic
A modern puppet theater is more than just a stage; it’s an entire cultural complex.
The auditorium is equipped so that even the youngest guests can clearly see the action. Comfortable seats, high-quality sound, and lighting create the effect of complete immersion in a fairy tale.
Special attention is paid to the youngest audience members. A “Fairy Tale Room” has been created for them—a cozy space with soft cushions where performances take place in an interactive play format. Here, children can interact with the puppets, sing, move, and become part of the performance.
The theater's repertoire includes fairy tales, classics, and contemporary productions.
The theater’s repertoire is diverse and designed for a variety of ages. It draws on well-known fairy tales and works of world literature:
- “Buratino”;
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs;
- The Little Humpbacked Horse
- “Cat’s House”
- “The Three Little Pigs”.
There are also serious productions for teenagers and adults, including classical and contemporary works.
The variety of theatrical puppets deserves special attention: marionettes, rod puppets, glove puppets, and other systems are used. This makes each performance unique in form and visual execution.
Puppet Theatre Museum: A Journey Behind the Scenes
The theater’s museum, founded in the 1960s, is a special pride. It’s a true treasure for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of puppetry.
The museum exhibition presents:
- puppets from past performances;
- sketches of scenery and costumes;
- archival photographs and documents;
- unique works of theater artists.
Each doll here is not just an object, but a part of history, an image that once came to life on stage and gave emotions to the audience.
Museum visits are typically guided tours. Visitors can learn how puppets are created—from concept and drawing to finished character. Guides explain the work of directors, artists, and actors, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets.
This will be especially interesting for children: they can not only see the exhibits, but also try to interact with the puppets and feel like part of the theatrical process.
Why you should visit a puppet theater with children
A visit to the puppet theater is not just a leisure activity, but an important element of a child’s upbringing and development.
Here are the children:
- learn to empathize with the heroes;
- develop imagination;
- get acquainted with classical plots;
- get their first experience of getting to know the theatre.
For parents, this is a great opportunity to spend time together, create warm family memories, and give their child a real fairy tale.
Convenient location
The theater is located in the center of Novosibirsk, near the Ploshchad Lenina metro station. It is easily accessible by public transportation and on foot from the city’s central districts.
Stay at Hotel N and discover the magical city of Novosibirsk
When planning a trip to Novosibirsk with children, be sure to include a visit to the Novosibirsk Regional Puppet Theater. This is a place that will provide a truly memorable experience.
To make your trip as comfortable as possible, stay at Hotel N. It’s just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the Puppet Theater.
Our convenient location, cozy rooms, and proximity to the city’s main attractions will allow you to fully enjoy your trip. Book a room at Hotel N and treat yourself and your children to a truly magical trip to Novosibirsk!
