The Francisco Peralta Puppet Collection, located in the historic Puerta de Santiago of the wall of Segovia, is a fascinating museum dedicated to the art of puppetry. This collection houses a total of 38 puppets, created by Francisco Peralta, a master puppeteer internationally renowned for his skill and creativity. The puppets on display are not simply objects of entertainment, but true works of art that narrate the evolution of this performing art.
Among the most outstanding puppets on display in the Segovia museum are those designed for classical works such as El retablo de Maese Pedro, by Miguel de Cervantes, or popular ballads, such as El Romance de la Condesita. Each piece was created between the 1950s and 1980s, reflecting both the historical context and the technical advancement of the art of puppetry during that period. The intention behind their construction was not only to entertain, but also to educate and preserve cultural heritage through visual narratives. Francisco Peralta focused his work on fusing tradition with innovation, achieving complex manipulation mechanisms that endow his puppets with an unparalleled expressiveness.
In the technical field, the transcendence of Peralta's work lies in the improvement of articulated movement systems that allow the puppets to transmit emotions and gestures with great realism. This contribution revolutionised the world of puppetry, marking a before and after in the way of constructing and manipulating these figures. His technical legacy is still studied by puppeteers and craftsmen all over the world.
An essential element of his puppets are the costumes, designed and made by Matilde del Amo, Peralta's wife and part of the company since its beginnings. Each carefully crafted costume not only complements the figure of the puppet, but adds depth to the character it represents and perfectly complements the mechanisms that facilitate its movement, making it more natural and humanised. The fabrics, colours and embroidered details give life and authenticity to the figures, highlighting the importance of the costumes as an integral part of the theatrical narrative. Matilde del Amo's work is an exceptional example of how costume design can enrich the aesthetic and emotional experience of the spectator.
The location of this collection, in the Puerta de Santiago of Segovia's city walls, adds a unique value to the experience. This historic space, one of the original entrances to the walled city, has been carefully restored to house the collection. The combination of puppetry art and architectural heritage creates a magical atmosphere where past and creativity intertwine. The intimacy of the venue allows every detail of the puppets to be appreciated, while their connection to the history of Segovia adds a deep cultural context.
The Francisco Peralta Puppet Collection is not only a tribute to a great artist, but also a testament to the value of the art of puppetry as a vehicle for cultural and technical expression.