The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited

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Photo by John E. Barrett. © 2018, Sesame Workshop.Courtesy Sesame Workshop/ MoMI.

Ernie and Bert from the television series "Sesame Street".

There are few faces as universally recognizable as television icons Big Bird, the Cookie Monster, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear. However, you may not so easily be able to point out the face of their creator—Mississippi-native Jim Henson. 

The Mississippi arts and entertainment museum The MAX is showcasing the pop culture legacy of Henson and his work, featuring the traveling exhibit, Imagination Unlimited. The show will explore the evolution of Henson's creations, ranging from early work in film and television to the beloved 3D characters that audiences worldwide have so come to know. Visitors will also get the chance to learn about the processes behind such a unique brand of storytelling, and to view more than 20 original puppets, character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photos, film clips, behind-the-scenes footage, costumes, and to engage in interactive experiences. Also featured will be glimpses of Henson's early life through photos and early sketches. 

“Jim Henson was a creator and entertainer with a unique vision, and he had a tremendous influence on our culture by giving us these magical characters and worlds that many of us grew up with,” said Mark Tullos, Executive Director of The MAX. “This is yet another amazing story of a native Mississippian who left his mark on the world, and this exhibit allows visitors to retrace Henson’s life from his early years in Leland, Mississippi, to his establishment in New York’s advertising and entertainment worlds, to the film sets of major motion pictures.” msarts.org.