Consider this your official excuse to act like a kid again: for the first time ever, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is opening its doors to the public–and yes, it’s every bit as weird, whimsical, and wildly fascinating as you’d imagine.
Tucked away in Long Island City, the legendary workshop responsible for the most iconic puppets and creatures in film and TV is now offering rare behind-the-scenes tours, giving fans a chance to step inside the actual space where googly eyes, fuzzy fabrics, and full-blown characters are brought to life.
What’s Behind the Curtain?
For more than half a century, the Jim Henson legacy has helped shape film, television, and live performance, producing hundreds of instantly recognizable characters.
Founded in 1963, the studio quickly became a creative powerhouse–by the 1970s, it was building characters for Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, and countless other productions.
Today, the Queens-based workshop (located here since 2009) remains a hub for cutting-edge puppetry, animatronics, and digital character design, earning multiple Emmy Awards and Academy Awards along the way.
Now, fans can finally go behind the curtain.
What to Expect: 80 Minutes of Pure Movie Magic
You won’t just be peering through a glass window; this is an all-access pass into the heart of the workshop.
Over the course of nearly an hour and a half, you’ll navigate the same halls where legendary artists have worked since 2009, witnessing the meticulous craft that transforms simple foam and fleece into global icons. Here’s what your 80-minute journey includes:
- A Walk-Through of a Working Studio: Step inside the world where characters are currently being designed and built for modern film, TV, and stage
- Live Puppetry Demonstrations: Watch an actual Henson puppeteer demonstrate the specialized techniques used to bring characters to life on screen
- Meet-and-Greets with the Artists: Talk to the talented puppet builders who spend their days perfecting everything from hand puppets to complex animatronics
- Up-Close Photo Opportunities: Get a rare, detailed look at beloved characters from favorites like Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth
- Studio Surprises: Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems tucked away in the workshop corners
Plan Your Visit
Tours run multiple times every Saturday, offering a rare glimpse into the artistry of puppetry, animatronics, and digital design.
Whether you grew up on puppets or just appreciate movie magic, this is one of NYC’s most unique bucket list experiences.
- Where: 37-18 Northern Blvd, Long Island City
- Transit: Less than 2 blocks from the R train at 36th Street in Queens
- Parking: Inexpensive parking is available less than 1 block across Northern Blvd on Steinway Street
- Learn more: Online
