Jim Henson's Creature Shop has opened its doors to the public for guided walk-through tours of its puppet-making workshop in Queens, New York [1].
This move provides a rare glimpse into the technical artistry and historic legacy of the studio founded by the creator of the Muppets. By opening the once-hidden facility, the shop aims to share its craft with a wider audience and generate new revenue streams [1], [3].
Guided walk-throughs began in February 2026 [2]. According to AP video narration, these tours take place on Saturdays [2]. The experience allows visitors to enter the workspace where some of the most famous characters in entertainment history were conceived and constructed.
Visitors can explore the legendary studio and get a close look at original puppets, including Big Bird and various dinosaur puppets [4]. The shop's transition from a private production house to a public-facing attraction highlights the enduring cultural impact of Henson's work.
"Jim Henson's Creature Shop has opened its doors to public tours," the Associated Press said [1]. The studio remains a center for puppet innovation, blending traditional hand-craftsmanship with modern technology to create believable creatures for film and television.
Because the facility previously operated as a closed professional studio, the introduction of scheduled Saturday visits marks a significant shift in how the organization engages with the public [2]. The tours provide a physical connection to the history of animatronics, and character design in the U.S.
“Visitors can explore the legendary studio on Saturdays and get a close look at original Big Bird and dinosaur puppets.”
The opening of the Creature Shop to the public represents a strategic pivot toward heritage tourism. By monetizing its historic archives and operational space, the studio is leveraging the nostalgic value of the Muppets brand to sustain its physical presence in New York while educating future generations on the intersection of art and engineering.
