Jim Henson's Birthday Event Schedule Revealed!

This September, the Museum of the Moving Image in New York City will once again commemorate Jim Henson’s birthday - this year with a special four-day celebration in honor of what would have been his 90th year.

This fun weekend for all ages features a slew of special guests, screenings, puppet workshops, collectible swap meet, live music in the courtyard, and more!

The event will take place September 24th through September 27th, and we know have the full schedule!

Everything will take place at MoMI unless otherwise specified.

Thursday, September 24

2:00–6:00 p.m. Free admission to Museum galleries
2:30–6:00 p.m. The Muppet Show: The Very Best Episodes
6:00–9:00 p.m. Puppet Prom (Digital Learning Suite)
7:00 p.m. Special program to be announced (Redstone Theater)

Friday, September 25

2:00 p.m. Sing-Along & Stroll-Along with Heather Henson (offsite)
2:00–8:00 p.m. Henson Fan Art (Fox Amphitheater)
2:30–6:30 p.m. The Muppet Show: The Very Best Episodes
6:30 p.m. Special program to be announced (Redstone Theater)

Saturday, September 26

10:00 a.m. Sing-Along & Stroll-Along with Heather Henson (offsite)
11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Swa(m)p Meet (Digital Learning Suite) - ORGANIZED BY US!
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Puppet Tea Party with Stacey Gordon in person (Fox Amphitheater)
12:00 p.m. 60 Years of Jim Henson’s Time Piece (Redstone Theater)
1:30 p.m. The Muppet Show: 50 Greatest Moments (Redstone Theater)
3:00 p.m. Live Artist Demo—Henson-inspired Art (Fox Amphitheater)
4:00 p.m. Panel: Inspired by Jim Henson (Redstone Theater)
4:30 p.m. Panel: Henson Products—The Inside Story (Fox Amphitheater) - HOSTED BY US!
6:00–10:00 p.m. Henson Meet-Up at Pig Beach (offsite)

Sunday, September 27

11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Puppeteering at MoMI (Fox Amphitheater)
11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Swa(m)p Meet (Digital Learning Suite) - ORGANIZED BY US!
11:30 a.m. The Muppet Show: 50 Greatest Moments (Redstone Theater)
1:00 p.m. Gaia Music Collective One-Day Choir: “I’m Going to Go Back There Someday” (Bartos Screening Room)
1:30 p.m. Tough Pigs Podcast Live: Inside Jim Henson’s Creature Shop (Redstone Theater)
3:00–4:00 p.m. Costume contest (Kaufman Courtyard)
4:00–6:00 p.m. Live music with John Koozin and the Neighborhood (Kaufman Courtyard)
4:30 p.m. The American Banjo Museum presents a Henson Sing-Along with Lucas Ross (Redstone Theater)
6:00–8:30 p.m. Henson Meet-Up at Pig Beach (offsite)

Did we mention Saturday at 4:30 we're hosting a panel on Henson products? "Henson Products—The Inside Story" at the Fox Amphitheater across the hall from the Swamp Meet (also organized by us!)

Last year was blast and as you can see, this year is shaping up to be even bigger and better!

Stay tuned for more info on vendors and what to expect from our panel - Saturday at 4:30 on Henson products at the Fox Amphitheater. 

In case you need any more reason to join us, here are the videos we shot covering last year's event as well as a video produced by Heather Henson's Green Feather Foundation.

 

For more details about all of the events below, be sure to visit the Museum of the Moving Image’s website. See you in September!

SAVE THE DATE: Celebrate Jim Henson's Birthday at MOMI 2026!

Save the dates of  Sep 24 — Sep 27, 2026 as MoMI will commemorate Jim Henson’s 90th birthday with four days of activities featuring special guests, screenings, puppetry workshops, a collectible swap meet, live music in the courtyard, and more!

That's right, this year instead of two full days of activities, the Museum of the Moving Image will host four straight days of Henson fun!

And of course while your there be sure to include a visit to The Jim Henson Exhibition, the Museum’s dynamic experience exploring Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on culture, where the public can come face-to-face with 50 beloved characters from the worlds of The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and other productions released during Henson’s lifetime. 

Here's our look at last year's event:

More details will be announced soon and the full schedule will be posted on MOMI's Website.

Muppet Stuff Video: Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday — Part 2!

The celebration continues! In this second installment of our Jim Henson birthday adventure, we dive even deeper into the fun, fandom, and creativity that Jim inspired in all of us. This episode features: The Muppet Vendor Swamp Meet — unique merch, fan creations, collectibles, and surprises around every corner.

Part 2 is all about the community — the fans who keep Jim Henson’s spirit alive through creativity, joy, and pure Muppet-style chaos. If you enjoyed this birthday celebration, hit like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more Henson-inspired adventures and stay tuned for Part 3!

More Info:

The Jim Henson Legacy

Museum of the Moving Image: Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday 2025

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Muppet Stuff Video: Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday — Part 1!

Join me on a special Jim Henson–themed adventure through New York City as we honor the legacy of one of the greatest creative minds of all time.

In this first part of the celebration, we explore: 

• A walking tour through NYC highlighting iconic spots connected to Jim Henson and his work. 
  
  
• Inside the historic Henson Carriage House, where creativity and puppetry history come alive. 
  
  
• Screenings at the Museum of the Moving Image, featuring the fan-voted 70 Greatest Henson Moments — from The Muppets to Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and beyond! 
  
  
• Plus even more surprises for Henson fans.

Whether you grew up with the Muppets or are discovering Henson’s magic for the first time, this video is a heartfelt tribute to his vision, creativity, and sense of joy. 

More Info:

The Jim Henson Legacy

Museum of the Moving Image: Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday 2025

Unfortunately, during the making of this video it was revealed that Rob Lake Magic Featuring Special guests The Muppets would close early. You can read our review of the show here: 

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Muppet Stuff Video: Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday at MoMI | Swamp Meet Finds | Toy Tokyo | Labyrinth in Concert!

Join us on an unforgettable Jim Henson–themed journey through New York City and beyond! 

Join us as we head to the Museum of the Moving Image to celebrate Jim Henson’s birthday (two days early)! 

The festivities included a puppet workshop, book signings, live music, the Jane Henson Amphitheater dedication, and the first ever Henson "Swamp Meet" collectibles marketplace, teeming with rare Henson treasures. 

Next, we whisk you to Toy Tokyo, a must-visit toy store nestled in the East Village. It’s a great place to find Japanese exclusives, blind-boxes, and elusive figures.

Finally we "chilly down" with Labyrinth: In Concert, featuring the classic film accompanied by a live band with exclusive merch. It's a Jim Henson Birthday Celebration you won't want to miss.

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Celebrate Jim Henson’s Birthday at MOMI!

Like last year, The Museum of the Moving Image will once again celebrate Jim Henson's Birthday with a jam packed 2-day event.

MOMI's Celebrating Jim Henson’s Birthday 2025 will take place Sep 20 - Sep 21 in Queens, NY. 

MoMI will commemorate Jim Henson’s birthday (September 24, 1936) with a weekend of activities featuring special guests, a book signing, puppet workshops, collectible swap meet, live music in the courtyard, and more.

This fun afternoon for the whole family is anchored by a visit to The Jim Henson Exhibition, a dynamic experience exploring Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on culture, where the public can come face-to-face with 50 beloved characters from the worlds of The Muppet Show, the Muppet movies, Sesame Street, and other productions released during Henson’s lifetime.

Some programs, including Puppeteering at MoMI, Swa(m)p Meet, the costume contest, and Henson Music in the Courtyard are free as part of the Museum’s Open Worlds initiative. Tickets for Sing-along & Stroll-along with Heather Henson and The 70 Greatest Moments in Henson History screening program may be purchased in advance or requested on the day of the event (included with Museum admission; available first-come, first-served).

Tip: If you are planning to see the Jim Henson Exhibition, attend the screening, and experience the festivities, we recommend purchasing Museum admission.

Timeline of events at MoMI:

Saturday, September 20
1:00–5:00 p.m.: Puppeteering at MoMI (Digital Learning Suite)
4:00–6:00 p.m.: The 70 Greatest Moments in Henson History (Redstone Theater)
6:00–8:00 p.m.: Henson meet-up at Pig Beach

Sunday, September 21
11:00–6:00 p.m.: Swa(m)p Meet (Digital Learning Suite)
1:00–3:00 p.m.: The 70 Greatest Moments in Henson History (Redstone Theater)
3:30–4:00 p.m.: Book signing of Sam and Friends (Museum lobby)
4:00–4:30 p.m.: Costume contest (Kaufman Courtyard)
4:00–6:00 p.m. Live music (Kaufman Courtyard)
6:00–8:00 p.m.: Henson meet-up at PigBeach

More about each of the day’s programs:

Sing-along & Stroll-along with Heather Henson
Saturday, September 20, 10:00 a.m.

Join Heather Henson, Joe Hennes (Tough Pigs), and friends to celebrate Jim Henson’s birthday with a musical walking tour through Jim and Jane’s New York City. Bring your homemade puppets, instruments, and don your best Muppet attire (and walking shoes) for a morning full of puppet surprises, singing, and games. Then, travel to Museum of the Moving Image for lunch, visit the Jim Henson Exhibition, and enjoy reserved seats for a 4:00 p.m. program celebrating 70 years of Henson moments presented by Jim Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin. Following the screening, keep the party going with a meet-up at Pig Beach!

Capacity is limited, so tickets will be required, and tickets include a weekend pass to the Museum for all Henson events (including Sunday’s Swa(m)p meet, Henson Music in the Courtyard, and more). Starting location will be shared with ticket holders ahead of the event. The walk will be around 90 minutes and includes hills and stairs. Tour members will be responsible for their own transportation to the Museum.

Puppeteering at MoMI
Saturday, September 20, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Digital Learning Suite

From 1:00–5:00 p.m., puppeteer Brian T. Carson leads workshops exploring the fundamentals of the art form, open to all ages and skill levels. This free event is part of MoMI’s Open Worlds initiative.

Henson Music in the Courtyard
Sunday, September 21, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kaufman Courtyard

Enjoy a performance of instrumental music from films that have captured the hearts of audiences for decades. From beloved classics like “The Rainbow Connection” to the playful and poignant melodies of The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, the band John Koozin and the Neighborhood pays homage to the creativity and joy that Henson’s work has brought to theworld. Gather at 4:30 p.m. to sing “Happy Birthday”!

Swa(m)p Meet: Henson Collectibles Marketplace
Sunday, September 21, 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: Digital Learning Suite

See the personal collections of our guest vendors and take home your own piece of Jim Henson history! Collectibles will be available for purchase or to trade, and the Swa(m)p Meet will be open from 11:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m. This free event is part of MoMI’s Open Worlds initiative.

Like like year, we're once again involved in putting together the Swa(m)p Meet. The event was such a huge success, the museum allowed us to expand not only the time - but the space as well. Instead of only 3 hours, this year it'll be an all day affair and will encompass the entire Digital Learning Suite (the same room it was before). 

We gave all the vendors who made our first event so successful first dibs to return and we'd  like to hear from other fans who'd like to participate as well. 

If you're interested in selling any thing Henson related, please email us at MuppetsStuff@gmail.com with the subject SWAMP MEET and will send you all the details to before a vendor. 

NOTE: Only officially licensed/produced items and one-of-a-kind art pieces may be sold. 

More info and tickets for the event here.

Be on the lookout for a preview of what to expect when our video about last year's MOMI Jim Henson birthday celebration premier's later this week. 

Muppet Stuff Video: Get Ready to Celebrate Jim Henson's Birthday!

As we get ready to celebrate Jim Henson birthday at the eagerly anticipated event at Museum of the Moving Image Sunday, check out our video from last year, showcasing Rowlf on The Jimmy Dean Show.

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

More info on Museum of the Moving Image.

Tickets and info about this year's event: https://muppet-stuff.blogspot.com/2024/08/jim-hensons-imagination-illustrated.html

Hope to see you there!

Celebrate Jim Henson's Birthday at the Museum of the Moving Image!

On Sept 22, Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is hosting a day full of events to celebrate what would have been Jim Henson's 88th birthday. 

The day begins with Heather Henson and ToughPigs' Joe Hennes who'll host a musical walking tour through Jim and Jane Henson’s New York City.

Following the tour is a special screening titled "Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated: Exploring the Archives of a Creative Mind." 

Join Karen Falk, Archives Director of The Jim Henson Company and Vice President of The Jim Henson Legacy, as she discusses her book, Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated. 

This presentation explores Henson’s story through the lens of his “Red Book” journal and personal and production material drawn from his archives, as well as rare video clips illustrating his creative thinking and the arc of his visionary career.

Following the presentation, Jim Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin will lead Henson trivia with giveaways.

There will also be a banjo performance by musician and Kermit collaborator Lucas Ross. 

If that wasn't enough, following the screening there will be a "Swamp Meet" full of Henson fans with "muppet stuff" for sale and trade. We are incredibly grateful to help put this part of the day together and we're working to get some incredible vendors/ fellow fans lined up.

You can purchase your tickets for the Jim Henson VIP Walking Tour with Heather Henson and
Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated: Exploring the Archives of a Creative Mind, using the links above and from MOMI. 

The "Swamp Meet" is free and your opportunity to take home a piece of Jim Henson history!

If you're interested in becoming a vendor, please e-mail list@jimhensonlegacy.org for more information. Vendor tables are free, but must be reserved in advance - there are a limited number available on a first-come first served basis.

We hope you can make it to New York Sept 22 to celebrate Jim Henson's Birthday!

Muppets Most Wanted – 10th Anniversary Screening!

Celebrate Muppets Most Wanted's 10th anniversary at the Museum of the Moving Image. 

This weekend the Museum of the Moving Image in NYC is hosting 10th anniversary screening's of the latest Muppet feature film - Muppet  Most Wanted with introductions by Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin.

The criminal mastermind Constantine, a Kermit the Frog look-alike, replaces Kermit as the Muppets go on a European tour. All part of an elaborate cover to steal jewels throughout Europe while Kermit is held in a Russian prison, in Constantine’s place. Filled with comedy, music and cameos this is a great Muppet adventure that has laughs for kids and adults.

The screening will be held:

Saturday, Mar 9 at 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, Mar 10 at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets and information at movingimage.org

A Jim Henson Birthday Celebration: Jimmy Dean & Rowlf’s 60th Anniversary!

Sunday marks what would have been Jim Henson's 87th Birthday. To celebrate, the Museum of the Moving Image is hosting a new compilation of Rowlf's appearances on The Jimmy Dean Show. 

A Jim Henson Birthday Celebration: Jimmy Dean & Rowlf’s 60th Anniversary

In 1963, The Jimmy Dean Show premiered on ABC-TV and a new comedy team was born: Jimmy Dean and his “hound dog buddy” Rowlf (performed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz). Originally designed by Henson and built by Don Salhlin for a Purina Dog Food commercial, Rowlf made weekly appearances alongside Jimmy Dean throughout the show’s three season run, eventually garnering more fan mail than the popular country singer and becoming the first major Muppet star on network television. We’ll celebrate the 60th anniversary of Rowlf’s Jimmy Dean Show debut with a brand-new compilation of clips from the show, including some rare commercials featuring Jimmy and Rowlf.

Sunday, Sep 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Museum of the Moving Image.

The Muppets Take Maryland: Jim Henson Exhibit Comes to Maryland!

Since staring in 2017 at Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture, Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI)'s travailing exhibit "The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited" is finally making a stop on the east coast.

The 10th stop on the tour will take it to the Maryland Center for History and Culture near where Henson was a student at the University of Maryland. 

The exhibit will run May 26 through December 2023 which is the longest the exhibit has stayed at any of it's stops thus far. 

Maryland Center for History and Culture 5,000-square-foot, Muppet-filled multimedia exhibition is full of hundreds of objects, including puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, costumes, and film and television clips.

About the exhibit:

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited explores Jim Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on popular culture. This comprehensive exhibition reveals how Henson and his team of builders, performers, and writers brought to life the enduringly popular worlds of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and much more. The exhibition features a broad range of artifacts related to Henson’s unparalleled career, including more than 20 puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, film and television clips, behind-the-scenes footage, iconic costumes, and interactive experiences that allow visitors to try their hand at puppeteering on camera and designing a puppet.

About Maryland Center for History and Culture's exhibit:

Bringing Henson Home to Maryland

With his gently subversive humor, restless curiosity, and innovative approach to puppetry, Henson built the Muppets into an enduring international brand, contributed beloved puppet characters to Sesame Street, and made movies that applied his vivid imagination to stories for the big screen. This exhibition explores Henson’s unique contributions to the moving image, and how he and a talented team of designers, performers, and writers created an unparalleled body of work that continues to delight and inspire people of all ages.

MCHC is proud to call Jim Henson a Marylander, and we are proud to help bring Jim Henson home to Maryland.

Tickets go on sale April 24 for members and May 15 for non-members here. 

D23 Celebrates 30 years of The Muppet Christmas Carol at MOMI!

D23 is celebrating 30 years of The Muppet Christmas Carol with a special screening at the Museum of The Moving Image in New York.

Don’t be a Scrooge! Come join D23: The Official Disney Fan Club at Museum of the Moving Image to celebrate 30 years of the holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol. Kick off the holiday season with a special screening and access to the incredible The Jim Henson Exhibition to get up close with all the Muppet-ational magic that goes into these wonderful stories we cherish so dearly.

Guests will be able to enjoy special after-hours admission to the Museum’s spectacular The Jim Henson Exhibition; a behind-the-scenes presentation to kick off the film; a special screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol; and a commemorative gift. Be sure to join us for this wonderful experience… or you might just get a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Past!

The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Muppets’ rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, puts a unique twist on that fateful Christmas Eve when Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes—and his heart—to the true meaning of Christmas. Rated G.

The Jim Henson Exhibition features a broad range of objects from throughout his remarkable career. It reveals how Henson and his team of builders, performers, and writers brought to life the enduringly popular worlds of The Muppet Show, the Muppet movies, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. It also includes materials from Henson’s experimental film projects and his early work, presenting him as a restlessly creative performer, filmmaker, and technical innovator.

EVENT DETAILS:

Exclusive after-hours access to The Jim Henson Exhibition at Museum of the Moving Image
Behind-the-scenes presentation on The Muppet Christmas Carol
Screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol
One (1) D23-Exclusive keepsake to commemorate this milestone anniversary

PRICE:

Gold Members: $39 + $7 processing per person
General Members: $49 +$7 processing per person
Tickets on sale at the official D23 Website. 

Guest check-in and exhibit admission will open at 6:30 p.m. Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before check-in time. Upon arrival, guests will be able to explore the exhibit until 8 p.m., with theater seating available at 7:30 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 8 p.m. Upon departure, guests will receive their commemorative keepsake.

NOTES:

D23 Members will be required to provide their membership number and the names of the guests attending when reserving tickets.
All ticket holders for this event agree to comply to the latest health and safety guidelines put forth by Museum of the Moving Image. Find the latest guidelines at https://movingimage.us/visit/safety-measures/
D23 Members may purchase up to three (3) tickets.

There are a limited number of tickets available. D23 Members will be required to enter their membership login details when purchasing tickets. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card and tickets may not be admitted to the event. Membership card may be a physical card or digital membership card found in the D23 App.

Ticketed Members and guests who do not attend the event forfeit their place, as well as all experiences, benefits, and gifts associated with the event. D23 Members must be present for their guests to gain entry to the event.

All Guests under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend this D23 event, and will require an event ticket for admission.

All D23 Events are subject to change without notice. There are strictly no cancellations or refunds, and tickets are not transferable.

PLEASE BE ADVISED:

Filming, photography, and other recording will take place at MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE IN NEW YORK CITY, NY, during the event you will be attending. By entering the premises, you irrevocably consent to and authorize Disney Worldwide Services, Inc., its affiliates, successors, and assigns (collectively “Disney”), to photograph you, make sound recordings of you, and use such photographs and recordings throughout the world, for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity, including, but not limited to, television broadcasts and home entertainment products, including, but not limited to, home video and DVD. All such photographs and sound recordings will be the sole property of Disney.

This event is available to D23 gold members only. Tickets on sale at the official D23 Website. 

Upcoming Henson MOMI Events!

The Museum of the Moving Image has two upcoming, in-person, Jim Henson related events. 

After first running last week, MOMI has a second chance today to catch A Happy Henson Halloween:

Join us for a selection of classic monsters, music, and Muppets, including episodes of The Muppet Show featuring Vincent Price and Alice Cooper and other haunting classic clips from Jim Henson’s work. 

There won’t be tricks, but Jim Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin will introduce the screening and bring along some Muppet treats as gifts for lucky audience members.

Friday, October 29, 3:00 p.m.
Program total running time: 75 mins.

Then next Saturday celebrate the release of Fraggle Rock: The Ultimate Visual History with 
Fraggle Rock: A Celebration.

Featuring special guests author Jody Revenson, puppet designer/builder Rollie Krewson, Karen Falk (The Jim Henson Company), and Craig Shemin (The Jim Henson Legacy). Program followed by a book signing in the Museum Shop.

To celebrate the new book Fraggle Rock: The Ultimate Visual History from Insight Editions, join co-author Jody Revenson, Director of The Jim Henson Company Archives Karen Falk, and moderator Craig Shemin for a discussion punctuated by classic and rare video clips from Jim Henson’s groundbreaking series. Fraggle Rock, which originally aired on HBO from 1983–1987, is now being revived with all-new episodes for Apple TV+, where you can also watch the original series. Revenson will be signing books (available for sale in the Museum Shop) immediately following the theater presentation. 

Saturday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.

Program runs 80 mins.


You can purchase tickets online using the the Museum of the Moving Image links above.

Please review safety protocols before your visit.

Jim Henson Exhibition: "Imagination Unlimited” Comes to Michigan!

After stops in Seattle, Los Angeles, Mississippi, Ohio, Albuquerque, and Omaha, the Museum of Moving Image's traveling Henson exhibit is about to open in it's next stop - Dearborn, Michigan.

“The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” will open at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn this Saturday, June 5 through September 6.

For more information and tickets click on the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation link. 

MOMI Reopens with Henson Exhibit Updates!

The Museum of the Moving Image reopened this weekend with some updates to their Jim Henson exhibit. 

The Kermit on display since the exhibition opened has been replaced with one from 1963.

It's "only the second Kermit ever made, and before the character acquired his trademark collar and flippered feet." The puppet on loan from Heather Henson was designed by Jim Henson and built by Henson and Don Sahlin.

Above are MoMI Deputy Director for Exhibitions Wendell Walker and former Henson puppet builder and stylist Bonnie Erickson installing the puppet.

Other areas have have changed as well, with new objects added by guest curator Karen Falk, Archives Director of The Jim Henson Company!

They include a cartoon drawn by a teen-aged Jim Henson and materials from The Cube, the experimental TV program directed by Henson and co-written with Jerry Juhl, that aired in 1969.

There's a sketch by costume designer Polly Smith for the 1980 Janice puppet, accompanied by test swatches and the knitting pattern for Janice’s sweater.

MoMI's temporary hours are Fridays, 2–8pm; Saturdays and Sundays 12–6pm.

More info about the museum can be found on their website. 

Meet The Creative Minds Behind The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance!

The Museum of the Moving Image is hosting a book signing, panel discussion, and role playing event with some of the folks involved with The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

Friday night Cheryl Henson will host a conversation on the creative process behind this critically acclaimed series, with WGA-nominated writer and co-executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach, assistant puppet captain Warrick Brownlow-Pike (puppeteer of the evil Skeksis character The Chamberlain), and Alice Dinnean (puppeteer of the Gelfling Brea, and the Ornamentalist Skeksis).

A book signing will be held with the panelists from 5pm to 6pm, followed by a live discussion at 6pm. 

After the discussion the museum is hosting a live role play game "featuring the characters and stories of this beloved series in a theatrical game that extends into the Museum's galleries after-hours."

Admission to book signing and panel are free, but advance reservation required which you get here. Tickets to the LARP are $25 for non-members and can be bought here. 

Sesame Street Lost, Found, and Vaulted!

On Sunday, in honor of Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary, The Museum of the Moving Image hosted "Sesame Street: Lost and Found." 

The event was once again put together by Jim Henson Legacy president Craig Shemin and moderated by Muppet performer Stephanie D'Abruzzo along with a panel that included former head writer, Normal Styles and Rosemarie Truglio, current Sesame Workshop Senior VP of Curriculum and Content.

The event promised that the vault would cracked open wide open "to take a look at rare footage of Sesame Street that never aired, was shelved after initial broadcast, or featured characters that have been retired. A panel of insiders will shed light on such stories as why Margaret Hamilton (who played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz) never reappeared, and why viewers never saw Snuffy’s parents get a divorce."

Those in attendance got to see clips from these episodes and more including one segment that had crack monkeys. Many of the clips shown featured deceased guest stars and music from the late 60's that would be prohibitively expensive to get the rights to release since the serve no real education value. And guess what....that's about all I can say about it. Everyone in the audience, especially us and the crew from toughpigs, were asked to not take any photos or video of the clips which is something we all agreed not to do.

I know many of you live prohibitively far from New York and can't travel to The Museum of the Moving Image on a regular basis, but I will tell you this was worth the trip. Craig is planning more events like it so, if you can, try to make it. Clips like the ones shown will never be released, or available on youtube, and Craig had to convince the higher ups that no one in attendance would share them either. The ONLY way to see them was in person.

That's not to say that photos weren't allowed in the rest of the museum or the gift shop, which had recently restocked it's Henson merchandise ahead of the holiday shopping season.

A few of the new additions you can purchase were The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance action figures.

The just released The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Funko Pez.

The full set of The Dark Crystal pins from Aquarius, and a nice selection of Little Hippie pins cards,and bags featuring characters from Fraggle Rock, and Labyrinth.

As well a large assortment of Henson related books, games, plush, and media.

The museum is also currently hosting a small exhibit featuring characters from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.

It's truly remarkable to see all these creatures up close and in person. The details are incredible and or course there's also the permanent Jim Henson exhibit too explore.

The museum has one more event scheduled this year where a screening of
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street with special guest Sonia Manzano.

There is so much that you can only only see in person, so try to make it to The Museum of the Moving Image if you can.