Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company

‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’, an unprecedented exhibition exploring the imaginative storytelling and world-building of The Jim Henson Company, is set to open exclusively at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art from 12 September 2026 until 18 April 2027.

The exhibition will take visitors on an immense and immersive journey through the creative process behind some of the most cherished characters and stories in screen history.

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.

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.

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. 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.

The opening weekend of ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’, coincides with the Brisbane Festival in September, and will feature special discussions, performances and screenings. 

Exhibition tickets go on sale from early June.

Good to know – The exhibition will take over all Level 1 gallery spaces in the Gallery of Modern Art, 

Need to know – For how to get to the venue, parking, accessibility and other info, go here.

QAGOMA is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com

Image credits:

1, 3 & 4 - Production still from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock 2022–present / ? Apple. All Rights Reserved / Image courtesy: Apple, The Jim Henson Company

2 & 5 - Production still from Labyrinth 1986 / Director: Jim Henson / ™ & ? The Jim Henson Company / Labyrinth Enterprises. All Rights Reserved / Image courtesy: The Jim Henson Company