Review: "Jim Henson's Fantastic World"

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Bert and Ernie

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Drill Team Puppets

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image:

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Frackles

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Mahna Mahna

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Nutty Bird

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Cantus and Gobo

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Featherstone and Goshposh

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Rowlf

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  Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Sir Linit

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  “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” on view at Smithsonian’s International Gallery, July 12-Oct. 5, 2008. Courtesy Smithsonian Institution.

  Photograph: Courtesy Smithsonian Institution67.ar.67jimhenson16.jpg14531115

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Henson's Fantastic World at Museum of the Moving Image: Bert and Ernie

Photograph: John E. Barrett

Having already taken Manhattan, the Muppets are ready to conquer a new borough—Queens.

Traveling exhibit "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" makes its final stop at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, giving New York families a glimpse inside the creative mastermind's head. The display features more than 120 pieces from the puppeteer, including sketches, storyboards, props and video clips.

Kids will get a kick out of seeing some of their favorite Muppets—Kermit, Bert and Ernie, Miss Piggy—on view throughout the exhibit (even if the life-size puppets are behind glass). But while aspiring artists will probably be intrigued by Henson’s doodles, the drawings alone won’t be enough to captivate most children for long.

The most alluring aspect of the exhibit is, in fact, its related programming. Museum admission grants visitors access to the exhibit; the screenings, which include , , and The Great Muppet Caper; and workshops that let kids explore puppet making, sound effects and more.

Our advice: Visit on a day with a scheduled screening. This way you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth—even if your crew zips through the exhibit faster than you can say "Manha Manha."

is on view July 16 to Mar 4, 2012, at the Museum of the Moving Image (718-777-6888, movingimage.us).