Marionette Month at Museu da Marioneta
The Museu da Marioneta is located in the area of Santos, one of the best preserved historical districts of Lisbon. It’s a fine exemplar of this antiquity, occupying the grounds of ex-convent, Convento das Bernardas. The building itself possesses an expansive and brilliantly assorted historical biography from tales of aristocracy to natural disasters; and from nuns to puppets! Since 1998, the building has been a charismatic venue and focal point for quintessential Lisbon having been acquired by the Town Hall and restored from its’ former convent self. Today, the Convento das Bernardas is a site for a tour through European, African, and Asian art/theatre, as told through both traditional and contemporary puppets, and ending up in the convent’s incandescent courtyard.
Amongst everything that springs immediately to mind about Lisbon, puppets may not be one. Yet, it’s here beneath the Miradouros, past the ornate architecture, and over the infamous hills that you can find extensive knowledge on the art of puppetry. This month, during the International Festival of Puppets and Animated Forms (FIMFA), we visited Portugal’s only museum dedicated to the dissemination of the art and history of puppet theatre.
The collection of figures andmodels at the museum is a testament to Portugal’s global position and its’shared influences between diverse continents. Organised by each nation’s ownevolution of puppetry, it is clear to see how they have all added uniquecontributions to both the craft and culture. The current show commences in 16thcentury Japan at the origin of Bunraku (puppet theatre) and closes with afeature of Tim Burton’s animation figures.
Museu da Marioneta, with its’ historical location and unique perspective, is entirely worth a visit from anyone. It’s open to visitors from Tuesday through to Sunday at 10am-6pm so head over for an inimitable experience, no strings attached!
Here's where to go, enjoy the show... Rua da Esperança 146, 1200-660 Lisboa, Portugal