He created the Muppets, revolutionizing children鈥檚 education and impacting several generations around the world. But before Jim Henson changed children’s television, he was taking classes at the University of Maryland, hosting televised puppet shows on local TV and even creating commercials seen on TV.
On Friday, a new exhibit honoring Henson opens at the Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore. Titled 鈥淭he Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited,鈥� it runs through December.
鈥淚t鈥檚 the most comprehensive look at the life and creative legacy of Jim Henson,鈥� said David Belew, a vice president of the museum. Belew said the exhibit is dripping with nostalgia.
鈥淭here鈥檚 over 30 puppets. You鈥檙e going to see Kermit, Rolf, Bert and Ernie are prominent, The Count from Sesame Street, all the way down to some of his more esoteric characters,” Belew said.
It鈥檚 been more than 30 years since Henson died, and many of his characters remain household names.
鈥淗is impact on children education is especially meaningful,鈥� said Belew, who credits “Sesame Street” with being 鈥渢he first television show where they鈥檙e really trying to see how they can educate children and it鈥檚 continuing to do so today.鈥�
The interactive, audiovisual exhibit includes lots of episodes of “The Muppet Show,” as well as videos of other creative works he鈥檚 behind.
鈥淵ou can really see his TV career evolve over time. One feature is constantly shuffling different episodes of ‘The Muppet Show’, so every time you come in, there will be a different snippet to see,鈥� Belew said.
鈥淔or folks who have deeper routes going back into Maryland, to see Jim Henson鈥檚 first commercials, whether it鈥檚 Esskay meats or Wilkins Coffee, these kind of regionally known, beloved brands, I think is going to be very meaningful for a lot of Marylanders and D.C. residents.鈥�
The is located in Baltimore. Anyone going to the exhibit is encouraged to buy tickets ahead of time, since Belew said about 30 to 40 people will be allowed into the exhibition each hour.
