Center For Puppetry Arts To Unveil The World Of THE DARK CRYSTAL With New Exhibit

The Center for Puppetry Arts will debut Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic, a brand-new special exhibition in the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, opening August 31. On display in the Dean DuBose Smith Special Exhibits Gallery, it will explore how Jim Henson, Brian Froud, Frank Oz and others created The Dark Crystal's mythical world of Thra, as well as take a look at the film's impact and legacy over the years.

Guests exploring Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic will see firsthand the detail and artistry that went into creating the film. The puppets were created at the initial Jim Henson's Creature Shop in London, using groundbreaking new materials and techniques that continued to be used in film throughout the '80s and '90s.

With more than 50 items on display, the special exhibit will include several prototypes and early versions of iconic characters, as well as actual puppets used in the film. Visitors can expect to see many fan-favorite characters, including Jen; SkeKung, commander of the Garthim; UrAc the Scribe; a Mystic; and Loretta, a Podling. Other creatures such as glass spiders, a feather cricket, Toad and a landstrider will also be on display, along with puppet props and costumes. In addition, visitors will find behind-the-scenes photos from film production and Froud's original concept art.

The exhibit will conclude with a look at the legacy of "The Dark Crystal," including its modern-day fandom and fan stories, its influence on Jim Henson's subsequent film Labyrinth, the upcoming Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and more.

To celebrate the opening of the special exhibit, fans of the cult-classic film are invited to attend on The Dark Crystal Ball on August 30, inspired by the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball of years past. Guests can expect an immersive experience as the Center transforms into Thra for the evening. "The Dark Crystal"-themed costumes or fantasy masquerade attire and masks are encouraged. Special guests will include Brian Henson, chairman of The Jim Henson Company and Jim's son; Halle Stanford, president of television for The Jim Henson Company and executive producer of The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance; and Kirk Thatcher, judge of Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge and Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and director of Dinosaurs, Muppets Tonight and more. Brian Henson will also serve as the judge of the costume contest. The evening will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, a beer and wine bar and a New Year's Eve-style countdown to the Great Conjunction. Tickets are available now at puppet.org.

Center for Puppetry Arts Members will have access to an exclusive first look at the exhibit from August 25-30. To kick off the Member preview week, fans can attend a Members-only Podling Preview Party on August 25. The party will include access to the exhibit; light hors d'oeuvres; beer and wine for purchase; and a screening of "The Dark Crystal." This event is complimentary for Members, but reservations are required in advance online. Center for Puppetry Arts Memberships can be purchased at puppetjoin.com.

Museum admission includes access to the Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic and the full Worlds of Puppetry Museum, featuring the largest collection of Jim Henson puppets and artifacts in the world, as well as a global gallery, featuring puppet traditions from around the globe. Tickets can be purchased online at puppet.org or by calling 404.873.3391.