For the first time in its history, Jim Henson's Creature Shop in Queens, New York, has opened its doors to the public, offering 80-minute tours every Saturday. The workshop, responsible for creating iconic characters like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, now allows fans to see behind the scenes of puppet-making.
The tours cost $150 per person and include visits to a dedicated room filled with authentic props and creations, where photography is allowed. However, the actual workshop area remains off-limits to protect proprietary designs and works in progress. Visitors can see exhibits such as Oscar the Grouch in his trash can, a throne from 'The Dark Crystal,' and a full-sized Junior Gorg puppet from 'Fraggle Rock.'
Creative supervisor Jason Weber emphasised the craftsmanship involved, stating that the tours honour the skilled artisans who create one-of-a-kind pieces by hand. The workshop, originally founded in Manhattan in the 1960s, moved to its current Queens location in 2009. A sister workshop in Los Angeles does not offer public access.
Senior puppet builder Sierra Schoening, who dreamed of working at the shop after watching 'The Labyrinth,' said she now knows 'all the secret sauce' of puppet-making. The shop's portfolio includes work on 'Five Nights at Freddy's,' 'Where the Wild Things Are,' and the sitcom 'Dinosaurs.'
