Puppets: Characters and Stories from Asia

Now on until November 2, 2025 – discover Asia’s rich puppetry traditions in Vitré, France

Aug 14, 2025

From now until November 2, 2025, the Maison des Cultures du Monde in Vitré, Brittany invites you to step into a spellbinding world of shadows, stories, and spiritual symbolism with its exhibition:
Puppets: Characters and Stories from Asia.

Across the Asian continent, puppets are more than storytelling devices—they are ritual objects, symbolic figures, and vessels of living heritage. Whether carved from wood or crafted from translucent leather, these miniature humans, animals, and mythical beings bring to life a wide array of cultural beliefs, theatrical traditions, and sacred practices rooted in Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, animism, and shamanism.

This beautifully curated exhibition invites you to explore these traditions through exquisite objects and rare forms of performance—celebrating both everyday stories and timeless myths brought to life by the hands and imaginations of puppeteers.

What You’ll Experience

Puppets and shadow figures from across Asia
Traditional stories, both mythical and everyday
Rare and endangered performance styles
Behind-the-scenes insight into puppet creation and performance
Programmes for all audiences—from professionals to families

Thanks to the creativity of performers and artisans, these figures come alive to enchant, challenge, and connect us with cultures that span centuries and continents.

Events & Activities

👀 Tours and Workshops

Flash Tours: Short introductions to a single puppet tradition
📅 Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. | 20 min | Free with reservation
Group Guided Tours:
📅 Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. | 45 min – 1 hour | €4.00 per person
Family Visits:
📅 Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. | Ages 4+ | €4.00 per person
Creative Workshops for Children (ages 6–12):
📅 Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. | €5.00 per child
School & Leisure Centre Visits:
📅 Wednesdays & Thursdays, mornings | €4.00 per person (free for accompanying adults)

🧒 Children’s activity booklets available at reception

🕒 Opening Hours & Info

📍 Maison des Cultures du Monde – CFPCI
2 rue des Bénédictins, 35500 Vitré, France
💶 Free general entry
🕒 Tuesday–Friday: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
🕒 Saturday & Sunday: 2:00–6:00 p.m.

📧 To book tours or workshops: mediation@maisondesculturesdumonde.org
📞 +33 (0)2 99 75 48 94

More Info

🏛️ About the Maison des Cultures du Monde

France’s leading centre for intangible cultural heritage

Located in the historic town of Vitré, the Maison des Cultures du Monde is internationally recognised as a hub of excellence for the research, promotion, and preservation of intangible cultural heritage. For nearly 40 years, it has curated performances, exhibitions, publications, and training programmes that explore and celebrate cultural expressions from around the world.

Designated as the French Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (CFPCI), the Maison works closely with artists, academics, and institutions to safeguard practices that might otherwise go undocumented or unsupported. Its work extends from field research and international partnerships to educational initiatives and high-quality cultural programming.

From shadow plays and ritual dance to traditional music and contemporary visual art, the Maison creates a platform where global traditions are not only preserved, but brought vividly to life for new generations.

Its past exhibitions and residencies have featured creators from Taiwan, India, Mali, Mexico, Japan, and more—often spotlighting underrepresented or endangered forms of expression. The venue also houses a permanent collection of musical instruments from around the world, and regularly hosts two major exhibitions per year.

For anyone interested in performance traditions, puppetry, or cultural heritage policy, the Maison is a vital and vibrant destination.