In need of the warm and fuzzies? Joyous exhibition celebrates 70 years of the Muppets and the genius of Jim Henson

In a joyous exhibition celebrating the 70-year history of the Muppets and the genius of Jim Henson, visitors are greeted with Elmo, Big Bird, and the massive Mr. Snuffleupagus. At Queensland's Gallery of Modern Art (Goma), the show has become a highlight, with many staff members remarking on the sheer size of the puppets. Curator Amanda Slack-Smith explains that visitors can try their hand at puppeteering, experiencing the craft firsthand.

The exhibition, spanning three realms over Goma's entire ground floor, showcases more than 500 objects, ranging from puppets, props, and costumes to photos, sketches, storyboards, and more, sourced from the Jim Henson Company's extensive archive and other US institutions. Occupying the entire ground floor, the exhibition is divided into three realms, focusing on the making, performance, and possibilities of puppetry.

From well-known characters like Grover and Elmo to lesser-known monsters, several puppets have never been displayed before in the US. Highlights include the massive 13-foot Snuffleupagus and the entire set of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, a 2022 reboot of Henson's original 1980s series. The exhibition also explores the animatronic innovations of Jim Henson's Creature Shop, with many of the pieces stripped back to expose their inner workings.

The curator emphasizes that puppeteering is an ancient art form integral to storytelling and allows for deep conversations while maintaining a sense of relaxation. Despite the absence of some headlining Muppets owned by Disney, the exhibition remains comprehensive, reaffirming that human creativity and craftsmanship remain essential to impactful art.