Queens, New York — Fans of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson are finally getting a rare chance to step inside the magical workshop where some of television and film’s most iconic characters have been brought to life for decades.
For the first time ever, the famed Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City is opening its doors to the public with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.
Fans Can Explore the Legendary Creature Shop
The immersive experience gives visitors an inside look at the artistry and craftsmanship behind beloved productions including The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal.
Guests paying $150 per ticket can tour the Queens workshop where skilled artists handcraft puppets, creatures and costumes using techniques refined over decades.
“There is a level of expertise here that we’re sharing,” the shop’s creative director, Jason Weber, said.
He emphasized that the workshop is far more than a tourist attraction.
“It’s not just going to be a pop-up store or something like that. Things are made one-of-a-kind, made by hand with artisans who have been trained for years and decades.”
Visitors Will See Iconic Props and Puppets
The 80-minute Saturday tours include up-close access to famous props and creations from Henson productions.
Fans can pose for photos with recognizable pieces including Oscar the Grouch’s trash can from “Sesame Street,” the black throne featured in The Dark Crystal, and even a towering giant from Fraggle Rock.
Performers will also demonstrate live puppetry techniques, bringing many of the creatures to life right in front of visitors.
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Tour participants can meet the workshop’s puppet builders and explore creative spaces filled with colorful fur, fabrics, accessories and partially assembled creatures waiting to be completed.
Workshop Continues Jim Henson’s Legacy
Jim Henson founded the Creature Shop in Manhattan during the 1960s before the operation later moved to Long Island City in 2009.
Henson became one of the most influential creative minds in entertainment history through characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird and Cookie Monster.
Today, the company continues to expand his legacy by contributing to major productions beyond classic puppet shows.
The workshop has also worked on projects including Five Nights at Freddy’s, Where the Wild Things Are and the sitcom Dinosaurs.
Artisans Share Passion Behind the Magic
For many employees, working at the Creature Shop represents a lifelong dream.
Senior puppet builder Sierra Schoeing said she grew up fascinated by Henson’s work, especially the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth starring David Bowie.
“I just really always wanted to know how those illusions were made,” she said.
Now working inside the legendary studio, Schoeing says she has become part of the creative magic she admired as a child.
“I know all the secret sauce, and I’m making the secret sauce now.”
Rare Opportunity for Fans and Families
The opening of the studio tours marks a major moment for longtime fans who have only seen the iconic puppets and creatures on screen for decades.
The experience not only offers nostalgia but also highlights the incredible craftsmanship required to keep practical puppetry alive in modern entertainment.
For many visitors, the chance to step inside the workshop where generations of beloved characters were created is likely to feel like entering a piece of television history itself.
Would you pay to tour Jim Henson’s legendary Creature Shop? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
