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The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited

Mar 31, 2022–Aug 14, 2022

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited celebrates the legacy of Jim Henson (1936–1990), trailblazing puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker. Featuring more than 150 objects drawn from the beloved worlds of Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and more, the exhibition highlights Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television, his indelible mark on popular culture, and the profound social impact of his work. It also includes material from Henson’s experimental film projects and his early work, presenting him as a restlessly creative performer and technical innovator. While Henson himself was not Jewish, his work celebrates diversity and inclusion, both core values of The CJM. Discover how Henson and his team of builders, performers, and writers created an unparalleled body of work, sharing characters and stories that represent diverse backgrounds and abilities. These stories continue to delight audiences and inspire people of all ages to look beyond differences and cultivate a more compassionate, inclusive world.

Imagination Unlimited begins with a look at Henson’s early life through images and reproductions of his early drawings and sketches. It then follows the steady rise of his career—from early works and experiments to the famed worlds of Sesame StreetThe Muppets, and beyond. Featuring a wide range of artifacts, including more than twenty puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, film and television clips, behind-the-scenes footage, and costumes, this exhibition offers a rare window into Jim Henson's boundless imagination and ingenuity. Don't miss your chance to see Kermit the Frog, Beaker, and Scooter, from The Muppets; Bert, Ernie, Grover, and Count von Count from Sesame Street; Red and Wembley from Fraggle Rock; Ludo and Fiery from Labyrinth; and Jen, Kira, and Aughra from The Dark Crystal.

The exhibition was organized by Museum of the Moving Image in collaboration with the Henson family, The Jim Henson Legacy, and The Jim Henson Company, and in cooperation with Sesame Workshop and Disney/Muppets.

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Supporters

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited is a traveling exhibition organized by Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria, New York) in cooperation with The Jim Henson Company, The Muppets Studio, and Sesame Workshop.

Major support for The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited is generously provided by The Jane Henson Foundation.

Image Credit

Header image: Jim Henson and his iconic creation Kermit the Frog, in front of a mural by Coulter Watt. Kermit the Frog © Disney/Muppets. Courtesy The Jim Henson Company/Museum of the Moving Image. Photo: John E. Barrett.