TOPIC. Centro Internacional del Títere de Tolosa

About the museum

TOPIC, the International Puppetry Centre of Tolosa, opened its doors in November 2009 as a centre dedicated to learning, researching and sharing the art of puppetry. Across its 3,600 square metres it houses a permanent museum with a room for temporary exhibitions, a documentation centre, a digitised archive and media library, a stage with capacity for 250 people, a production and rehearsal room, workshop rooms and a small residence for artists and researchers.

The collection comes from donations by individuals and companies, and also from purchases, loans and deposits. It brings together 2,629 pieces from around the world, from 18th-century puppets to contemporary creations, and covers techniques such as string, glove, rod, mask and bunraku. It is being digitised, and part of it can already be consulted on the website.

The visit is designed as a game of discovery. TOPIC is part of the Unión Internacional de la Marioneta (UNIMA) and has received various awards since 2010, among them the Silletto Prize of the European Museum Forum in 2012.

Highlights

• Collection of 2,629 puppets from around the world
• Pieces from the 18th century to the present, in a wide variety of techniques
• A visit designed as a game of discovery
• Stage with capacity for 250 spectators
• Digitised documentation centre and online virtual visit

Permanent exhibition

• Colección de títeres – Permanent collection of 2,629 puppets from around the world, from the 18th century to the present, in techniques such as string, glove, rod, mask or bunraku.

Founded

2009

Admission & discounts

Reduced rate: adults €3, children €2. Guided and theatrical visits are booked in advance; the museum admission is added to the price of the visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Street-level entrances with automatic doors, lifts on every floor with Braille buttons, a courtesy wheelchair in the information area, benches and walking-stick chairs in the galleries, and accessible toilets on all floors. Visits and workshops adapted for people with cognitive disabilities are organised. Guide dogs, assistance dogs and alert dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The visit is designed as a game of discovery. One Saturday a month, coinciding with the performance of the theatre season, a family puppet-making workshop is organised (information: pedagogia@cittolosa.com). There are also theatrical visits and an educational programme for schools.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Up to 250 guests.

The buffet, the pre-assembly room, the auditorium (stage space with capacity for about 250 people) and the workshop rooms are available for hire.

Plan your visit