Center for Puppetry Arts Reveals Details on Upcoming Jim Henson Collection

The Center for Puppetry Arts continues to make progress on its highly anticipated expansion and renovation project. As part of the museum's new permanent exhibit, Worlds of Puppetry, the Center is releasing further details on the Jim Henson Collection gallery, which will house the world's most comprehensive exhibit of Jim Henson's puppets, props, scenic elements and other items. The interactive gallery will include more than 75 Henson characters and artifacts at one time, offering a look into Henson's work with a reproduction of his working office, a mock television studio, a homage to Sesame Street and more!

"Housing a Jim Henson collection of this magnitude is not only a great honor for the Center, but it's also an honor bestowed upon the Atlanta community, helping to further establish the city as an international tourist destination," said Executive Director Vincent Anthony. "Our visitors will have the ability to explore Henson's world like never before with immersive displays."

The Henson family's momentous gift includes more than 500 artifacts, which will rotate in the gallery. Highlights of the Jim Henson Collection include the beloved duo Bert and Ernie, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from the popular television series Sesame Street, which first aired in 1969 on PBS and continues to run today. Muppet favorites include Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, which will be displayed in The Muppet Show section, along with icons Fozzie Bear, Scooter and Dr. Teeth. Guests can also expect to see Jen and Aughra from the cult classic film The Dark Crystal. The Doozers, Sprocket, Red and Gobo will be on display in the Fraggle Rock section of the gallery.

The Center for Puppetry Arts will continue to present performances, workshops and films throughout the expansion and renovation process; however museum exhibits are closed until the grand opening of the new museum this fall. The completed museum will also include a Global Collection gallery, encompassing more than 170 puppets and artifacts, spanning five continents and showcasing various cultures across the world. Other aspects of the project include an expanded Museum Store, a new Nancy Staub Puppetry Research Library and a renovated entryway. Information on supporting the Believe in Make Believe campaign is available online at www.puppet.org/BelieveInMakeBelieve.

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