Make, Believe, Magic, The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company has officially landed right here in Brisbane exclusively at QAGOMA as part of Brisbane Festival, and it is most definitely magic!
The exhibition is an immersive journey through the imaginative storytelling of the Jim Henson Company, featuring props and characters from Fraggle Rock and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, the worlds of The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Sesame Street, The Muppets and more. And yes, Kermit the frog does make an appearance!
Spanning the entire ground floor of GOMA, the Gallery of Modern Art, the world-exclusive exhibition takes visitors on a journey to celebrate the 70-year legacy of The Jim Henson Company’s ambitious creativity, iconic characters, and enchanting worlds.
The buzz of excitement at the exhibition was impossible to ignore, with countless ‘big kids’ adorned in colourful outfits, crazy shoes and elaborate hair pieces. The atmosphere captured the enduring appeal of the Jim Henson Company, and the unique creativity that continues to transcend childhood and inspire generations of all ages.
The exhibit itself took me back to my own childhood, watching The Muppets Christmas Carol and The Muppets Treasure Island with my parents, who were secretly just watching for themselves. Walking through the exhibition, I was reminded of just how much of Henson’s work has become woven into so many childhood memories just like mine.
However, this exhibit was so much more than a feeling of nostalgia. With more than 500 pieces spanning iconic puppets, handcrafted props and unique costumes, it quickly became clear that this was more than an exhibition of familiar characters. It offers a glimpse behind the magic of the Jim Henson Company, revealing the sheer amount of imagination and depth of talent that exist behind the scenes.
The element I particularly loved was the display of original sketches and storyboards throughout the exhibition. These offer a rare glimpse into the intricate creative processes that have brought some of popular culture’s most enduring creations to life.
What made the experience especially enjoyable was the exhibition’s interactive feel. The Henson Company’s work had not simply been placed behind glass but was opened up to visitors.
I was able to watch iconic clips from shows and adverts, walk through immersive sets, as well as try my luck at becoming a puppeteer (I won’t be quitting my day job any time soon). The exhibition encouraged me to rediscover Henson’s world through a playful environment, without making me feel childish for doing so.
The most awe-inspiring moment for me was turning the corner into the immersive set of Fraggle Rock and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. I was able to walk through Fraggle Rock myself, joined by the beloved Fraggle Five: Gobo, Red, Mokey, Wembley and Boober.
The mesmerising set, careful details and playful atmosphere were undoubtedly magical. It is most definitely something you must experience for yourself.
With plenty to choose from, Make, Believe, Magic, The Worlds of the Jim Henson Company exhibition definitely deserves a spot on your must-see list for this year’s Brisbane Festival.
Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company runs as part of Brisbane Festival. It will be on until 18 April 2027. GOMA, the Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Place South Brisbane Qld 4101.
Tickets: https://www.qagoma.qld.gov.au/exhibition/make-believe-magic-the-worlds-of-the-jim-henson-company
Website: https://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/events/make-believe-magic
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qagoma/ and https://www.instagram.com/brisbanefestival/
Hero image: Production still from Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock 2022 to present. Image courtesy of Apple, The Jim Henson Company.
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