Dark Crystals, Labyrinths, and MirrorMasks
Atlanta Area Travel Recommendation: The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta
Within the last few years, exhibit halls at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta have undergone a large renovation. On a recent visit to the center, I walked through the new Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance exhibit, as well as the permanent Jim Henson wing that features Sesame Street, Labyrinth, and Muppet Show work. There is such a huge difference now that the renovations are complete. While not every puppet can be on display at once, the volume of pieces and props on display from Jim Henson’s oeuvre has increased dramatically from the previous exhibit hall space. Also, the current exhibits seem to be organized better, often with interactive highlights and well-written plaques that describe how certain puppets work within the context of film production. If you happen to be in the Atlanta area and have the opportunity, by all means– stop by the center. Expect to spend at least an hour or an hour and a half to casually walk through the exhibit spaces. The amount of detail work, especially on display within Brian Froud’s character designs for Age of Resistance, will certainly require some time to absorb and appreciate.
-Don
On a side note, I found a random clip from YouTube which features a young couple visiting the center… it gives a good overview of what to expect: