The Rosete Aranda family troupe traveled extensively across Mexico and the United States for over 100 years, performing for audiences ranging from local villagers to presidents.
The collection includes international pieces from Europe, Asia, and North America, illustrating the global evolution of puppetry techniques.
The building itself, the Casa de los Títeres, is a preserved colonial-era mansion that reflects regional Tlaxcalan architecture.
The museum serves as the primary custodian of the history of the Huamantla fair, which frequently highlights puppet arts.
Some exhibits feature 'automata,' mechanical puppets designed to replicate human movement with high precision.
The National Puppet Museum, known locally as the Museo Nacional del Títere (MUNATI), is located in the 18th-century Casa de los Títeres in Huamantla. It houses an extensive collection of puppets spanning three centuries and diverse international origins. The museum documents the history of puppetry in Mexico, including traditional rod, string, and shadow puppets. It holds a significant collection of Rosete Aranda puppets, a famous 19th-century Mexican puppeteering family. The exhibitions are organized across several themed rooms that display materials ranging from wood and fabric to modern resins. It serves as a research hub for the preservation of puppetry arts and performing traditions.
The interior courtyard of the mansion, which retains authentic colonial architectural features.
Visit during the month of August to coincide with the Huamantla Fair when the museum often hosts special workshops.
Speak with the museum guides to learn about the specific manipulation techniques required for different puppet styles.
Check the museum's Facebook page before visiting for notices regarding temporary exhibit rotations.
Do not attempt to touch the puppets or display cases, as most items are historical artifacts with delicate materials.
Closed on Mondays.
