3 June 2026

Dance your cares away, enter a world of make-believe and magic, and explore the most comprehensive collection of creations by The Jim Henson Company ever assembled.

Tickets are now on sale for ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ exclusively at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane from this September.

With surprises around every corner, the exhibition will celebrate the 70-year legacy of The Jim Henson Company’s characters and worlds, brought to life by innovative puppetry that transports us from the everyday to a place far more extraordinary.

QAGOMA Director Chris Saines CNZM said: ‘The genius of The Jim Henson Company transcends age, culture and geography, and this exhibition will captivate audiences with moment after moment that taps into the enduring affection that its creations have earned with generations of audiences.

‘Visitors will see truly famous friends built by the Company, like Sesame Street’s Big Bird and Mr Snuffelupagus, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Elmo; then wander down to the Company production Fraggle Rock with Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober; before entering the fantasy realms of the Goblin King (Labyrinth), Dominar Rygel XVI (Farscape), and the Gelfling and Skeksis (The Dark Crystal).

‘And these are only a few of the highlights,’ said Mr Saines.

Across three awe-inspiring chapters spanning the entire ground floor of GOMA, Make, Believe, Magic’ takes visitors on a journey through pivotal moments that have defined The Jim Henson Company’s evolution as it transformed the art of puppetry.

World-first highlights include the opportunity to walk among the unforgettable sets from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, including Doc’s House, the cavernous Great Hall and Boober’s Cave, to experience firsthand the perspective of a professional puppeteer. Fans of The Dark Crystal will be enthralled by the oracle Aughra and the gentle beauty of a giant Landstrider puppet.

The exhibition’s curator, QAGOMA Curatorial Manager, Australian Cinémathèque, Amanda Slack-Smith said: ‘To be able to draw from the many worlds of The Jim Henson Company to bring this exhibition into existence is a dream come true.

‘Audiences will be able to explore the core elements of the Company’s practice. From their origins introducing early versions of familiar characters in commercial pitches, to landmark work in children’s television, the exhibition then follows their evolution into film and world creation, as well as the work of the Creature Shop, including animatronics and daring new digital innovations.

‘We can’t wait to take audiences behind the scenes of an actual set used for a Henson puppet production. The world-first opportunity to present these spectacular Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock sets, direct from their Canada soundstages, will give visitors an unrivalled understanding of the craft of puppetry,’ said Ms Slack‑Smith.

The exhibition will also feature an exclusive cinema program of over 90 films curated by Victoria Wareham, Assistant Curator, Australian Cinémathèque showcasing productions created by The Jim Henson Company, as well as projects that feature the work of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said: ‘Coinciding with the Brisbane Festival, the arrival of the wild and wonderful creatures of The Jim Henson Company at GOMA this September will add even more colour to our state’s vibrant arts scene.

‘Alongside much-loved puppets, props and sets, this exclusive to Queensland exhibition celebrates the artistry behind the making of beloved screen characters and stories.

‘This exhibition reinforces the state’s international reputation for incredible arts experiences alongside our strength as a screen powerhouse, delivering on our 10-year strategy for arts and culture, Queensland’s Time to Shine.

‘Appealing to Henson fans of all ages, this blockbuster exhibition provides the uniquely Queensland opportunity to experience all the magic and mastery of The Jim Henson Company,’ said Minister Langbroek.

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said: ‘The exclusive Brisbane exhibition further positioned Queensland as a leading cultural destination and a standout on the national events stage.

‘This is exactly the kind of world-class experience that cements Queensland’s reputation as a cultural leader, set to generate up to 110,000 visitor nights as audiences travel to Brisbane to experience the magic of The Jim Henson Company.

‘It is also expected to deliver a $22 million boost to the economy, backing local jobs and businesses while reinforcing our commitment to securing major events that drive tourism growth and leave a lasting legacy for Queensland,’ said Minister Powell.

‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ is only at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), from 12 September 2026 until 18 April 2027.

For tickets and more information visit here. Be among the first 1000 people to purchase tickets online and go into the draw to win a $1000 prize pack. T&Cs apply.

The exhibition is organised by QAGOMA in collaboration with The Jim Henson Company and supported by the Queensland Government through Strategic Partner Tourism and Events Queensland; Major Partners Shayher Group, Carnival Cruise Line and Gadens; Industry Partner Screen Queensland; and Tourism, Media and Supporting Partners and in association with Brisbane Festival.

ENDS