[an error occurred while processing the directive] [an error occurred while processing the directive]
[an error occurred while processing the directive]

News

Jim Henson Legacy to Join Gallery at Museum of the Moving Image



Mayor Bloomberg joined the Henson family and City officials at the Museum of the Moving Image. Photos courtesy of Mayor's Office.
June 3, 2013 - The family of Jim Henson has donated nearly 400 puppets, costumes, props and other objects from every major film and television production on which Henson played a creative role during his lifetime, to the Museum of the Moving Image. The Museum will create a new gallery devoted to Henson’s work, expected to open to the public in winter 2014-15.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the Museum of the Moving Image and The Jim Henson Legacy announced the project with a $5 million fundraising goal and an anchor of $2.75 million funded by the City of New York for construction of the new space. New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin and Media and Entertainment Commissioner Katherine Oliver were also on-hand at the presentation which featured appearances by Miss Piggy, Gobo Fraggle and Oscar the Grouch.

“It’s only fitting that this extraordinary collection of puppets, costumes, props and more should find a home in New York, where imagination and free expression are part of the fabric of our City, and where anyone who’s watched an episode of ‘Sesame Street’ sees the inspiration provided by the vibrant neighborhoods and characters that make our City so extraordinary,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The City is proud to provide support for the new gallery to house the collection, attracting visitors from around the world to experience this singular body of work.”

Donations include pieces from Henson’s works including “Sam and Friends,” “The Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street,” “Fraggle Rock,” The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. At the heart of the collection are nearly 200 puppets including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Elmo, Ernie, Bert, Count von Count, Gobo Fraggle, the Swedish Chef, and Statler and Waldorf.

The collection will create a new dynamic visitor experience on the Museum’s second floor where the artifacts will be presented with character sketches, storyboards and scripts from The Jim Henson Company archive. To learn more about the Museum of the Moving Image, visit movingimage.us.

- Michael Avila


Oscar the Grouch also joined the Mayor at the announcement.
Photos courtesy of Mayor's Office.

[an error occurred while processing the directive]
[an error occurred while processing the directive]