About this tour
When Ben from our BugBitten team caught the Jim Henson Company exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art, he found a genuinely engaging walk through seven decades of puppet craft and character design. You get the full run of interactive displays—pulling apart how puppets actually work, eyeing the original rigs and costumes up close, and spotting the monsters and Muppets that shaped telly and film. The exhibition is flexible, so you can duck in for an hour or stay the afternoon; it's in Brisbane, with decent public transport links nearby, and the whole place is properly accessible.
Highlights
- Original puppets and costumes from iconic productions on display
- Hands-on puppeteering stations show the mechanics behind the magic
- Seven decades of innovation laid out chronologically and clearly
- Interactive displays engage kids and adults without feeling patronising
- Fully wheelchair accessible with no cramped corridors or stairs
- Flexible entry means you set the pace—rush or linger
- Character meet-and-greets add a playful touch to the afternoon
What to expect
Ben found the exhibition well-paced and genuinely curious rather than cynical. You start with the early designs and work forward, stopping at interactive stations where you can test how puppeteers control movement and expression. The original puppets are behind glass but close enough to spot the wear and craft—strings, joints, the lot. The space isn't massive, so even on a busy day it doesn't feel rammed. Expect to spend 1–2 hours if you're thorough, though you can skim it in 45 minutes if you're pressed.
The lighting is thoughtful, the labels are clear, and there's enough interactivity to keep restless companions engaged. It's not a sprint through nostalgia; it's a proper peek at how a craft evolved. Public transport gets you there easily, and the gallery itself is spacious with proper facilities.
What travellers say
- Hands-on stations make puppeteering tangible, not just a museum piece
- Original costumes and puppets deliver genuine behind-the-scenes glimpses
- Flexible entry means you're not rushed through the exhibition
- Fully accessible—ramps, lifts, toilet facilities all in order
- Clear layout and thoughtful labelling suit all ages and knowledge levels
- Niche appeal—puppetry buffs will dig it more than casual visitors
- Younger kids may lose interest without guided engagement or activities
- Busy during school holidays and weekend afternoons
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a solid rainy-day or weekend plan, especially if you or someone in your group grew up with these characters or enjoys craft and design. The hands-on bits are genuinely fun, not gimmicky. The whole venue is wheelchair accessible, pram-friendly, and staff are clued in. No hidden fees—your ticket covers entry and the lot.
If you're not already curious about puppetry or Jim Henson's world, it might feel niche. Kids under 5 may get bored unless you're prepared to spend time at each interactive station. The exhibition can get busy during school holidays and weekends.
Bring a camera (check the gallery's photo policy first). Comfortable shoes are wise—you'll be on your feet exploring. No time limit, so turn up when suits you. Group sizes are unrestricted. Peak times are typically afternoons during school holidays and Saturday afternoons.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.