Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater

Balboa Park is one of the most popular destinations in San Diego and there is plenty to do for kids of all ages. In 2001, the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater became a part of this collection. The theater is part of the Balboa Park Puppet Guild, a group that offers apprenticeships, workshops, children's programs, and year-round performances. It is located in the Pan American area near the Aerospace, Automotive and Hall of Champion's Sports Museums on the south side of the park. It was originally part of a single unit used for the California Pacific International Expo held in celebration of the completion of the Panama Canal. The theater remained, long after the expo was over. Following the expo, the building became the Hollywood Motion Picture Hall of Fame and later was used as part of the Navy barracks. Following World War II, the park buildings were returned to the city and the building in which the theater is located was divided into three: the theater, an arts and crafts center, and a recital hall. The first puppet performance was held in 1947 and used marionette puppets. It was performed by Marie Hitchcock and her sisters. The theater seats 234 people. The theater is a birthday party destination and offers a variety of activities and party options for kids and their friends.