NUKU (formerly known as the Estonian State Puppet Theatre) was founded in 1952 by puppeteer and director Ferdinand Veike and remains the only professional theatre for children in Estonia.

With the arrival of Rein Agur (senior director since 1981) in 1963, a longer period of innovation and experimentation began at the theatre, which continued throughout the eras of later theatre directors.

Constant growth, expansion and building modern stages (a temporary outdoor stage and the Ferdinand stage) and founding the puppetry museum have transformed the former Estonian State Puppet Theatre into the modern theatre and puppetry centre NUKU, which offers delightful experiences and exciting museum activities for visitors of all ages.