Puppetry enjoyed enormous popularity in the Czech lands in the first half of the 20th century. Proof of its popularity is also the phenomenon of so-called family puppet theaters. These table theaters were played in homes, in schools, and also in art associations. The significant expansion of the Czech production of decorations and puppets for family theaters is connected with the popularization activities of the Czech Association of Friends of the Puppet Theater after 1911. At this time, the first series of Decorations by Czech Artists were published, in which leading artists participated, as well as the first so-called Alšovka, marionettes inspired designs by Mikoláš Alš. Puppets, decorations, game scripts and other accompanying literature have attracted huge public interest and have stimulated many companies or publishing houses to produce puppets, and at the same time inspired many families and individuals to make their own puppet theaters and marionettes at home. As a result of the demise of businesses after February 1948, including most puppet companies and publishing houses, the main stage of serial production of family theaters and marionettes closed in the middle of the last century. The exhibition called Puppets for every family shows the phenomenon of family puppet theater in its entirety, and in addition to beautiful marionettes, it also presents decorations and literature for this type of theater. The exhibition also includes an interactive, playful part, where children and their playful parents can try out such a family theater from the first half of the 20th century.
