Throughout its history of over a century, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre has held countless audiences spellbound – children and adults alike – with its skilful, artistic performances and its impressive repertoire.

When the lights slowly dim in the splendid auditorium and the red velvet curtain opens soundlessly – then the little actors have their big moment, immersing us in a world filled with magic and fantasy. We forget that these graceful creatures, which can express an unsuspected range of emotions, are actually brought to life by an ensemble of puppeteers. Welcome to this unique world!

What makes the Salzburg Marionette Theatre different from other theatres? – On the stage, the marionettes are the protagonists, and the people are behind – or rather, above it all. Because, while down on the stage these finely-crafted marionettes perform plays, fairy-tales, musicals and operas, it's the skilled puppeteers two metres above them who guide all their movements with a special technique, each on 12 strings. The puppeteers, who have mastered this unique method, bring the marionettes to miraculous life.

This special performance technique, has been declared a cultural asset worthy of preservation, as the "most highly developed form of puppet and figure theatre", earning the Salzburg Marionette Theatre a place in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.