On Friday, June 1st, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles unveils its newest installation, The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited a traveling exhibit organized by Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria, New York). Celebrating the transformative impact of Jim Henson and his collaborators over four decades, the exhibition features puppets and other objects of his creative invention, including original sketches. An interactive component allows guests to play puppeteer with several Muppets, including volatile drummer Animal, complete with his drum kit from the Electric Mayhem band. Additionally, a large video displays a looping sequence of vintage Muppet Show episodes featuring a variety of popular ‘70s musical guests such as Paul Simon, Elton John, and Alice Cooper. Perhaps best known for visionary contributions to Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, some of Henson’s most beloved characters from those groundbreaking television series will be on display. “Instead of being changed by the culture,” said Carl Goodman, executive director of Museum of the Moving Image, “(Henson) changed the culture for the good.” Recent previous Skirball events have included the Bill Graham exhibition and Gregg Allman’s last live appearance in Southern California.

Related events include a July 13 outdoor screening of the Henson-directed Labyrinth starring David Bowie.