In the foyer gallery of Puppet Theatre Sampo, you can explore exhibitions related to puppet theatre. There is a permanent exhibition of theatre puppets, Puppets from around the World.
In the foyer, there is also the Blue Gallery, which has changing illustration exhibitions. The gallery’s exhibitions are often related to puppetry in some way, but the gallery is open to a wide variety of artists!
Admission to exhibitions is free during theatre opening hours.
In addition to the exhibitions held in our own premises, Sampo now also presents:
A travelling puppet theatre exhibition has been created from productions featured in the repertoire of Sampo Puppet Theatre in the past. In this exhibition, Sampo’s star performers invite visitors into the world of fairy tales and stories. The exhibition can also be booked for your own venue!
The exhibition is on display in Sipoo at Lilla Villan (Jussaksentie 16, Nikkilä) from May 4 to June 12, 2026.
The From Wooden Blocks to the Spotlight exhibition presents plays that have been part of Sampo Puppet Theatre’s repertoire and their main performers—the theatre puppets. A theatre puppet is a mysterious and enchanting creature that tells deeply moving stories. It is a work of art crafted by a puppet maker, brought to life on stage by a performer. How is a theatre puppet created? What is it made of? What kind of techniques are involved? What materials can be used? What kinds of themes inspire performances?
On display are puppets from the productions Hei peikot vekkuliveikot, Kuningas Oskari, Yksisarvinen ja meri, Joen laulu, and Ruma ankanpoikanen (The Ugly Duckling). The puppets in the exhibition have been created by Maija Barić, Mona-Rita Sanmark, and Josef Vítek.
In the exhibition, you can sit down, read a story, and let your imagination soar. The stories in this exhibition speak about friendship, courage, and understanding and accepting differences. The exhibition is a tribute to the magical power of puppet theatre!
The exhibition has been designed and produced by Anne Lihavainen.
What else?
A reading corner will be built in the exhibition space, where visitors can explore the stories also by reading them. The exhibition also includes a theatre stage where visitors can perform with small puppets. The soundscape—songs and stories—creates an atmospheric experience. It is also possible to order one or two stories if space is limited.
For more information and bookings:
Henna Lundberg
Tel. +358 20 735 2232
henna.lundberg@nukketeatterisampo.fi
This exhibition is about the wonderful world of theatre puppets. The visitor can explore puppet traditions of different cultures and see puppets from around the globe from the 19th century to the present. Exhibition catalogue available in Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian and Italian. Puppet Theatre Sampo Gallery
