Muppet magic coming to Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art
QAGOMA’s next blockbuster will be for all the family with an exhibition exploring the wonderful world of Jim Henson
An unprecedented exhibition exploring the imaginative storytelling and world-building of The Jim Henson Company opens exclusively at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art from September 12 until April 18, 2027.
Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company will be an immense and immersive journey through the creative process behind some of the most cherished characters and stories in screen history.
Founded by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, the Company has left an indelible imprint on entertainment, education and popular culture globally as seen in the much-loved series Fraggle Rock and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, the treasured fantasy worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, the iconic characters of the Muppets, and the instantly recognisable residents of Sesame Street.
QAGOMA director Chris Saines describes the exhibition as “unparalleled in scope”.
“The exhibition will celebrate The Jim Henson Company’s extraordinary legacy, highlighting the specialist work of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop – creative studios in New York and Los Angeles where artists and makers revolutionise the art of puppetry,” Saines says.
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“The Gallery is privileged to be working closely with The Jim Henson Company, whose influence on generations of storytellers continues as a family-led force pioneering contemporary puppetry for screen and stage.”
The exhibition will captivate those who have grown up with Fraggle Rock stars Gobo, Red and Mokey, and Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy from the Muppets. It will also highlight productions with an Australian connection, such as the Company-produced 2023 feature The Portable Door, filmed in Brisbane; the fan-favourite science-fiction series Farscape, filmed in Sydney; and productions populated by the Company’s lovingly crafted puppets and creatures, including the Academy Award-winning Babe.
In a world-first, the exhibition will include the Great Hall set from the Emmy Award-winning television series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, taking audiences behind the scenes of a working puppeteer’s film set.
A curated film program in the gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque will highlight productions developed by the Company and brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
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Exhibition curator and QAGOMA’s curatorial manager, Australian Cinémathèque, Amanda Slack-Smith says, “the exhibition will be the definitive look into the craftsmanship and creativity shown across The Jim Henson Company’s many television, film and stage productions.”
“It will feature hundreds of objects, from practical puppets and animatronic creatures to sets, props, costumes, original drawings and moving image clips,” she says.
“Across GOMA’s entire ground floor, Make, Believe, Magic will explore the craftmanship of The Jim Henson Company’s creatures, the art of their performance, and new directions for puppetry supported by digital technology.”
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek says the exhibition “will boost Queensland’s reputation as a key cultural destination, delivering on the Queensland’s Time to Shine:10-year strategy for arts and culture. The Crisafulli Government is delighted to support QAGOMA in bringing yet another blockbuster exhibition to the state.
“The arrival of the wild and wonderful creatures of The Jim Henson Company at GOMA will add even more kaleidoscopic colour to our state capital, delighting locals and visitors from this September. With the Queensland-exclusive exhibition running through to April next year, there are plenty of opportunities for fans of all ages to behold the magic and mastery of the Company’s creations.”
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell says the exhibition is poised to deliver up to 110,000 visitor nights to Queensland, as visitors flock to experience the joy, magic, and nostalgia of The Jim Henson Company’s incredible legacy.
“And with an anticipated $22 million boost for the state’s economy, we’re committed to securing more events of this calibre that not only drive economic and tourism growth but also leave a lasting cultural legacy for Queenslanders.”
The opening weekend coincides with Brisbane Festival in September, will feature special discussions, performances, and screenings. Exhibition tickets go on sale from 1 June.
The exhibition is supported by the Queensland Government through Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland; Major Partner Shayher Group; Industry Partner Screen Queensland; and Tourism, Media and Supporting Partners.
For more information visit www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
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