Make, Believe, Magic 2026

Make, Believe, Magic 2026 is an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to bringing the whimsical and intricate worlds of The Jim Henson Company to Brisbane. I remember stepping into the Gallery of Modern Art's space, and feeling as though I'd been transported into a universe where puppetry reigns supreme. The exhibition, running from 12 September 2026 to 18 April 2027, lets you walk through the detailed sets of 'Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock,' pieces that have been carefully moved out of their typical production settings.

The Art of Puppetry Uncovered

Puppetry isn't just for children, and this exhibition underscores that with every puppet and set piece. It shines a light on how puppetry incorporates a range of art forms: from sculpture and costume to mechanical engineering and cinematography. But beyond just recognizing the artistic complexity, the exhibition celebrates the power of collaborative creativity. Every puppet and scene is the result of countless hours of combined effort by designers, builders, writers, and performers. Seeing the meticulous craftsmanship up close —from the material construction to subtle facial expressions shaped by skilled puppeteers— makes you appreciate the persistence and inventiveness behind these beloved characters.

Why You Should Experience This Exhibit

Visiting Make, Believe, Magic 2026 allows you to step into the intricate worlds created by The Jim Henson Company, far removed from the confines of a screen. For fans, it's an unparalleled opportunity to see these familiar friends —from characters to miniature worlds— in their three-dimensional splendor. Artists and designers will find a goldmine of inspiration within the creative processes laid bare — from development sketches and costume design to sculptural forms and visual storytelling. Filmmakers can glean insights into how these characters interact with their settings and coalesce with the cinematic elements around them. It's also a generational experience for families, bridging the gap between the memory of past screen idols and the thrill of discovering them anew. Brisbane itself becomes a destination worth visiting with this exhibition, especially when paired with other cultural events like the Brisbane Festival.

Navigating Your Visit to GoMA

Located within the sprawling Queensland Cultural Centre at Stanley Place, GoMA is a beacon for modern art in South Brisbane. Just a stone's throw from the Queensland Art Gallery and the scenic Brisbane River, it's easily accessible via the South Brisbane railway station or the Cultural Centre bus station. For those who prefer other methods of transport, ferries, rideshares, and even bicycles or a stroll from the city's business core are convenient options. After crossing either Kurilpa or Victoria Bridge, gallery-goers can find parking options at the cultural center, though it's wise to anticipate high demand during peak periods, like festival days.

Staying Over: Where to Stay in Brisbane

If you want to immerse yourself fully in the exhibition and the surrounding cultural hub, consider lodging around South Brisbane. With plenty of hotels, delightful eateries, and picturesque river paths, this area offers quick access to major cultural landmarks. Alternatively, Brisbane's central business district provides both luxury and economical lodging options, all within easy reach of GoMA. For those seeking local flavor, West End’s eclectic restaurants and café spots may appeal, while Fortitude Valley is perfect for night owls interested in music venues and boutique accommodations. Just be mindful that accommodation bookings could fill up fast given the overlap with major events like the Brisbane Festival.

A Glimpse into Henson's Legacy

The Jim Henson Company has long been entwined in the fabric of pop culture since its inception in 1955. Henson and his team redefined puppetry for television with programs like Sesame Street, capturing the hearts of audiences with its blend of education and entertainment. The Muppets saw this charm extend into other media, touching both young and mature audiences. Shows like Fraggle Rock and films such as Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal stand as testaments to their ability to create complex fantasy worlds, echoing themes of cooperation and exploration. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has continued this innovative path by blending animatronics with digital effects, influencing countless movies and TV series.

The Ties Between Australia and The Jim Henson Company

It's fitting that Make, Believe, Magic 2026 is set in Brisbane, acknowledging the ties between The Jim Henson Company and the local screen industry. Farscape, a renowned sci-fi series filmed in Sydney, is part of Henson’s adult-targeted productions showcasing elaborate design. Another connection emerges with the 2023 film, The Portable Door, filmed right here in Brisbane. Even the movie Babe, known for its charming animal characters, involved Henson's technical prowess in creating realistic performances. These threads highlight Brisbane as more than just a backdrop — it's a meaningful location linking global and local creative histories.

Plan Your Visit Wisely

Having visited, I can’t stress enough the importance of planning your exploration of Make, Believe, Magic 2026 effectively. Allocate at least 90 minutes, ideally two hours, if you intend to delve deeply into the production drawings and film clips, and to roam around the Fraggle Rock sets. Don't skimp on the details: the technical displays offer fascinating insights into how these beloved characters move and express themselves. Wrapping up your visit with a screening at GoMA's Australian Cinémathèque can deeply enrich your experience. If you're a family considering the Sock Puppet Studio, check its schedule in advance. And, trust me, it's worth observing the puppets from multiple perspectives — they're marvels of three-dimensional craftsmanship, more than they might appear on screen.

My Final Thoughts on the Exhibition

In reflecting on this exhibition, I realize how crucial Make, Believe, Magic 2026 is in showcasing puppetry as a medium deserving of serious artistic respect. The show beautifully stitches together imagination and technical expertise, highlighting that the journey from concept to tangible, emotive creation is no small feat. Even in our digital age, the tactile, the crafted, and the performed continue to create genuine emotional bonds with audiences. Whether you're an aficionado of puppetry or simply curious, the exhibition is a brilliant spectacle for anyone intrigued by the creation of iconic imaginary worlds.

Claire Bennett for ArtexpoWorld.com