Taking a page from the Smithsonian Museum’s playbook, New York’s Museum of Moving Image has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for a new Jim Henson Exhibit. The organization stated it is seeking a minimum of $40,000 for the exhibition, which will explore the world of the Muppets creator and his effect on pop culture. While sharing details about the exhibition, the Museum revealed:
“With a generous gift of hundreds of puppets and artifacts from the Henson family, Museum of the Moving Image in New York City plans to open a brand new, permanent exhibition dedicated to the work of legendary puppeteer and director Jim Henson. Over the course of a singular career, Henson created stories and characters for television and film that have delighted and inspired generations of fans around the world — from the glamorous Miss Piggy and the gentle Grover, to the mystical creatures of The Dark Crystal. The Jim Henson Exhibition will share the full story of Henson’s unique talent, and the deeply collaborative creative process behind his work.”
Sections of the exhibit will feature Henson’s early work for television and film; his work on Sesame Street; memorabilia from The Muppet Show and Muppet feature films; and imaginary from Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. Over 40 original puppets — including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Elmo, Cookie Monster, the Fraggles, and a Skeksis from The Dark Crystal – will also be at the exhibit as well. Other items are puppet prototypes, original character sketches, rare behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, and interactive puppetry design and performance experiences.
The Museum is also planning to launch a traveling version of the exhibit and the tour will kick off at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture on May 20th. The organization also noted it will be hosting screenings of Henson’s work and has piloted education and family programs that are related to the exhibit. Explaining why it decided to use Kickstarter for the exhibit, the museum added:
“The lasting, universal appeal of Henson’s work is unprecedented. People of all ages continue to be delighted and inspired by Jim Henson’s stories and characters. We’re excited to use Kickstarter to connect with Henson fans around the world, and bring this global community together to support a permanent exhibition honoring his creative legacy.”
Those who back the project will receive various perks, including chocolate bars, behind-the-scenes updates, name on the museum website, one ticket to the exhibit, an invitation to the opening reception, and muppet quilt notecards. The Kickstarter campaign is set to close on May 11th.
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