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This combo of images provided by Julien's Auctions shows, from left, Dark Crystal skekGra the Heretic Circle of the Suns Skeksis Chair and The Dark Crystal Naia (Hannah John-Kamen) Drenchen Gelfling, part of more than 400 props, costumes and set pieces from Muppets creator Jim Henson’s extensive career will go up for auction this fall. (Julien's Auctions via AP)
Puppets and props from Muppets creator Jim Henson’s archives going up for auction for first time
Listen to this articlePuppets and props from Muppets creator Jim Henson’s extensive career will go up for auction this fall, including pieces from children’s shows such as “Fraggle Rock” and “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.”
There are also calendars autographed by Miss Piggy herself.
The Jim Henson Company said this will be the first auction from its archives, making the announcement Wednesday on what would have been its founder’s 89th birthday.
Henson, who graduated from the University of Maryland in 1960 and died in 1990 at age 53, brought to life a host of beloved Muppets characters — from Kermit the Frog to Miss Piggy to the Swedish Chef. He also brought his artistry and creativity to “Sesame Street” and “Fraggle Rock” and to the 1980s movies “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.”
Kermit served as the May 2025 commencement speaker at the University of Maryland. A bronze statue of Henson and Kermit sitting on a bench is a well-known feature of the College Park campus.
The auction comes as The Jim Henson Company is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
More than 400 items — props, costumes, set pieces, autographed memorabilia, posters and puppets — will be available. They were selected from tens of thousands of pieces, said Karen Falk, director of the company’s archives.
One of the highlights will be a full-body puppet of Naia Drenchen Gelfling from “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.” California-based Julien’s Auctions, which is handling the sale, estimates the puppet’s value at between $15,000–$25,000.
Online bidding will begin on Oct. 22 while the live auction will be on Nov. 25. The company also is selling a collector catalog featuring all of the items.
Over the years, the Henson family has donated some of Jim Henson’s iconic creations to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, including the original Kermit, which was made from his mother’s old green coat and Ping-Pong balls for eyes.
In 2013, the family donated an original version of Miss Piggy and some of her co-stars from “The Muppet Show” for display in the National Museum of American History.
John Seewer reports for The Associated Press.
