The $14 million renovation of the Center for Puppetry Arts in midtown Atlanta dramatically expanded the museum’s exhibit space and street presence. The three-story, 21,250-SF addition finished November, 2015 houses two collections: the Worlds of Puppetry, featuring 170 puppets and cultural artifacts from across the globe, and the Jim Henson Collection, the nation’s largest exhibit of Muppets, props, set designs and personal items from Henson’s TV and film career. 

The new Spring Street elevation puts a bold, contemporary face on this beloved institution. Designed to shield its rare collections from sun exposure – and meet street frontage restrictions – the relatively flat design is animated by its curved roofline, tilted windows and “Kermit green” color. But the steel frame did present some challenges. Vast open spaces were needed to stage the interior exhibits, so the lateral support system had to be carefully and strategically located. 

SYKES also made extensive changes to the original building, a former elementary school, by reframing the structure, renovating the stairs, and adding new entryways and a new retail store. A new research library and private archival spaces complete the facility’s features. The year-long renovation and expansion was completed while the original museum remained open to the public.