The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at UConn houses one of the world’s most significant collections of puppets and masks—over 2,000 pieces representing performance traditions from around the globe. These aren’t just props or toys. They’re irreplaceable cultural artifacts, many handcrafted by renowned artists, and integral to UConn’s acclaimed puppetry education program.

When the Fine Arts Department decided to relocate its puppet storage areas, they faced a challenge that went well beyond standard moving services. These pieces required specialized handling, careful packing protocols, and teams who understood that every puppet, every mask, every artifact matters.

Meyer was selected to manage the three-phase relocation project.

Handling with Precision and Care

Puppets present unique moving challenges. Unlike office furniture, they require preservation-grade handling. Materials are delicate—fabrics can tear, paint can chip, joints can break. Storage conditions matter. Humidity, temperature, and environmental factors all affect their longevity. A careless move doesn’t just cause immediate damage; it can compromise the integrity of pieces that have survived decades or centuries.

Meyer’s team understood these requirements from the start. We approached this project not as a standard storage relocation, but as a specialized art preservation effort. Every puppet was treated as the artifact it is.

The three-phase approach—beginning in April, with phases through May and June—allowed us to manage the scope carefully, prioritize the most delicate pieces, and coordinate with UConn’s curatorial and education teams to ensure continuity of the program.

Supporting UConn’s Mission

UConn’s puppetry program is nationally recognized. The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry serves as both an educational resource and a cultural institution, welcoming students, artists, and visitors from around the world. The collection spans puppet traditions from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas—each piece tells a story about performance, craft, and cultural expression.

By supporting the careful relocation of these collections, Meyer played a role in preserving not just objects, but the stories, traditions, and educational opportunities they represent.

More Than Moving

This project demonstrates what Meyer brings to specialized moves. We don’t just relocate items; we understand what makes each project unique. We work with university curators, arts organizations, and institutions where precision, care, and cultural sensitivity matter.

Whether it’s library collections, laboratory equipment, or irreplaceable puppets and masks, Meyer’s approach remains the same: treat every item as if it were our own, coordinate carefully with stakeholders, and deliver results that respect both the physical objects and the mission they serve.

The puppets at UConn’s Ballard Institute are back in their new storage areas, ready to inspire future generations of artists and students. And Meyer is proud to have played a role in making that transition seamless.

Learn more about UConn’s Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry: https://bimp.uconn.edu/