The Muppets Take Chicago

"Jim Henson's Fantastic World" runs through January at the Museum of Science and Industry

The Muppets aren't taking Manhattan. They're taking Chicago!

The "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" exhibit opens Friday at the Museum of Science and Industry with original puppets of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Bert and Ernie, among others.

Miss Piggy's creator said the museum is the perfect place to showcase Henson's work.

"Jim in an innovator and that's what this museum is all about," said Bonnie Erickson.

The exhibit features more than 130 pieces of artwork from Henson himself, including a Kermit the Frog puppet used in both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show in the 70s.

"Most people don't know that Kermit was made from his mother's coat and two ping pong balls, and was more lizard-like in his original form," explained the museum's Jeff Buonono.

Guess will be able to create their own puppet shows with the real Muppets, complete with a TV screen showing them what the audience is seeing. They'll also be able to try their hand at the "character of choice wall," where they can create their own unique character with clothing, hair and facial features that stick to each other.

The exhibit opens on what would have been Jim Henson's 74th birthday and runs through Jan. 23. Henson died in 1990.

MSIChicago.org: Jim Henson's Fantastic World

Contact Us