Brisbane is about to get a whole lot more colourful. In a massive coup for the city’s cultural scene, the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) has announced a world-exclusive exhibition: ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’.
Running from 12 September 2026 until 18 April 2027, this isn’t just a trip down memory lane for those who grew up with The Muppets or Sesame Street. It is an all-access pass into the mechanics of imagination, spanning the entire ground floor of the gallery.
A Legacy of Wonder
Founded by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, The Jim Henson Company has shaped the childhoods of millions. From the anarchic wit of Kermit and Miss Piggy to the soaring high fantasy of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, the exhibition offers the definitive look at how these worlds were built from the ground up.
Visitors can expect to see hundreds of artefacts, including original drawings, costumes, props, and—of course—the iconic puppets and animatronic creatures that revolutionised the art of puppetry via Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in New York and LA.
A World-First for Brisbane
In a global first, the exhibition will feature the actual Great Hall set from the Emmy Award-winning series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. Fans will be able to step behind the scenes of a working film set to see exactly how puppeteers bring characters like Gobo, Red, and Mokey to life.
The Australian Connection
While the Henson legacy is global, ‘Make, Believe, Magic’ shines a spotlight on the company’s deep ties to Australia. On display will be highlights from the Sydney-filmed sci-fi cult classic Farscape, the Brisbane-produced 2023 feature The Portable Door, and the beloved animatronics from the Academy Award-winning Babe.
More Than Just an Exhibition
The takeover extends beyond the gallery walls. GOMA’s Australian Cinémathèque will host a curated film program showcasing the Creature Shop’s greatest hits on the big screen. If you’re looking to dive deeper, the opening weekend (coinciding with the Brisbane Festival) will feature live performances, special discussions, and screenings.
QAGOMA Director Chris Saines noted that the gallery is privileged to work so closely with the family-led company, which remains a pioneering force in contemporary puppetry and digital technology.
The Details
Whether you’re a die-hard Labyrinth fan, a Fraggle Rock enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates world-class craftsmanship, this is the blockbuster event of the 2026/27 season.
- What: Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company
- Where: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane
- When: 12 September 2026 – 18 April 2027
- Tickets: On sale from 1 June 2026 via the QAGOMA website.
