Exhibition exploring the worlds of The Jim Henson Company exclusive to Brisbane

Tue 17 Feb 2026

An unprecedented exhibition exploring the imaginative storytelling and world-building of The Jim Henson Company opens exclusively at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 12 September 2026.

‘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.

Brian Henson and Jim Henson on the set of Labyrinth 1986

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.

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.

Production still from The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance 2019

Production still from Labyrinth 1986

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. 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.

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. 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.

Production stills from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock 2022–present

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.

A curated film program in the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque will showcase productions developed by the Company and brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Production still from Farscape 1999–2003

Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company
12 September 2026 – 18 April 2027
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Gallery 1.1 (The Fairfax Gallery), Gallery 1.2, Gallery 1.3 (Eric and Marion Taylor Gallery) & River Room (Sue and Brian King River Room)
Brisbane, Australia
Tickets on sale 1 June 2026