The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited at Skirball Cultural Center
On view at the Skirball Cultural Center from June 1 - Sept. 2, The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited immerses visitors in the fantastic world of Jim Henson and showcases his groundbreaking approach to puppetry and transformative impact on contemporary culture.
Featuring more than 100 objects and 25 historic puppets—including Kermit the Frog, Rowlf, Ernie and Bert, Grover, and many more beloved characters—lmagination Unlimited highlights Henson’s unique contributions to the moving image. Along with a talented team of designers, performers, and writers, Henson created an extraordinary body of work that continues to delight and inspire new generations to create a kinder and gentler world.
From The Muppet Show, the Muppet movies, and Sesame Street to Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, Henson's groundbreaking productions are revealed through character sketches, storyboards, scripts, photographs, costumes, film and television clips, and behind-the-scenes footage. Visitors are invited to design their own puppet and try their hand at puppeteering in this highly interactive exhibition.
The exhibition features puppets and other objects donated to the Skirball by the family of Jim Henson, plus works on loan from The Jim Henson Company archives as well as from private lenders.
Jim Henson After Hours
Kick off the exhibition's opening weekend with a rare opportunity to see The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited after hours. Visit the Skirball between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. to enjoy late-night gallery hours, a DJ set by Timothy Nordwind of OK Go, roving puppeteers and more. Grab a drink from the cash bar or get a bite to eat from L.A. food trucks: La Morra Pizzeria, Green Truck, Tacos Super Gallito, and Nomad Ice Pops.
Outdoor Movies
To coincide with the exhibition, the Skirball will be screening two beloved Jim Henson films as part of its Outdoor Movie Series: The Muppet Movie (June 29) and Labyrinth (July 13).
The Muppet Movie (1979) is the first-ever motion picture starring all of your favorite Muppets! Kermit the Frog goes on a cross-country road trip to make it big in Hollywood, and along the way he meets Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem, and the rest of the gang.
Directed by Jim Henson, the cult classic Labyrinth (1986) tells the story of a teenage girl (Jennifer Connelly) who has 13 hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King (David Bowie). Dress up as your favorite character!
Tickets for the screenings are $12 for General Admission; $9 for Seniors, Full-Time Students, and Children over 12; and $7 for Children 2–12. Doors at 6:30pm, movie starts at 8:30pm. Before each screening, guests are invited to view the exhibition. Cocktails, wine, beer, and light fare will be available for purchase.
