Bob Baker Marionettes Featured At Santa Monica Pier (Photos)

SANTA MONICA, CA — When the pandemic hit, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater took the show on the road—literally. And this holiday season, you can check out the vintage puppets and marvel at the details up close. A new exhibit on Santa Monica Pier features the dazzling characters and the story of this Los Angeles treasure.

The one-of-a-kind retrospective at Santa Monica Pier called the “Windows of Wonderment” art installation will bring marionette magic to the historic merry-go-round and celebrate the theater's most memorable moments and charismatic characters in six puppet-packed windows.

Up until the most recent stay-at-home order, the group had offered traveling outdoor shows, appearing at small outdoor birthdays and even had plans for a stroll-by show. Now, that's on pause until the health guidance changes in LA County.

The handcrafted puppets have entertained kids and families at the historic theater space at 4949 York Blvd., Los Angeles, since 1963. They have a travel company that visits birthday parties, weddings and other community events.

The theater group launched a Patreon and hosts Zoom puppet performances. You can donate, check out the online shop, or even sponsor a puppet.

"In March 2020, the theater had to stop all public shows due to the impact of COVID-19," the group announced on their Patreon page. "In the following months we have committed to bringing our audience happiness at home through regular videos, live Zoom puppet shows, and daily Bob Baker magic in every way possible!"

The theater group needs help to continue past the pandemic—in the future.

"We need your help to keep going, and to ultimately reopen with safe protocols in place," the theater said.

Check out LA icon, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, and the precocious puppets until Jan. 7. Visit SantaMonicaPier.org for more information.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.