Göttingen Puppet Theatre Days

One of the most important venues for puppet theatre in Germany

Since its founding in the 1980s, the Göttingen Puppet Theatre Days have developed into one of the most renowned festivals for puppet and object theatre in the German-speaking world. It is an important industry meeting point for professional artists, a place for encounters between professionals and a broad audience, and a platform that showcases the diversity of contemporary puppet theatre art.

Six venues, 14 groups, 28 performances

The 41st edition in 2026 will bring 14 theatre groups from Germany and abroad to Göttingen, presenting 28 performances in 6 venues. These venues are carefully selected and each offers a suitable setting for the diverse productions:

• Altes Rathaus — historic setting for intimate performances
• Lumière — art-house cinema with a theatre hall
• Deutsches Theater — one of Lower Saxony's oldest city theatre stages
• Junges Theater — independent stage with its own profile
• GDA-Wohnstift — accessible hall with a family atmosphere
• musa — cultural centre with a large event hall

Programme for all age groups

The Puppet Theatre Days' programme includes productions for all age groups: performances for toddlers aged 2 or 3 and up, productions for kindergarten children, family programmes from age 6, plays for teenagers, and adult productions. This wide range makes the Puppet Theatre Days a festival for all generations and underscores the aim of presenting puppet theatre as a serious art form for all ages.

Artistic diversity

In terms of programming, the Puppet Theatre Days cover a wide spectrum: classic marionette and hand puppet theatre meets object theatre, shadow theatre, table-top puppetry, and experimental hybrid forms. This curatorial diversity makes the festival particularly interesting for a professional audience following the current developments in the industry.

Advance booking and accessibility

Advance booking for the 41st edition began on December 8, 2025. Tickets are available via the festival website and at the box offices of the respective venues. The compact distances between the venues in Göttingen's city centre allow for attending multiple performances per day.