New exhibit illuminates world behind classic film 'The Dark Crystal'

ATLANTA - It’s a film that helped define many a childhood, and even though it earned mixed reviews upon its release in 1982, it’s since become regarded as a pioneering entry into the fantasy genre.  Now, "The Dark Crystal" is being celebrated with an exciting new exhibit at Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts.

Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic officially opened Friday, Aug. 31 at the Center for Puppetry Arts, taking visitors behind-the-scenes of the creation of the film.  The 1982 movie was directed by famed puppeteers Jim Henson and Frank Oz, best known to audiences as the men behind Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy of The Muppets. But as the name implies, "The Dark Crystal" is a darker and more complex work than many were expecting from the Henson camp, something which is explored in the new exhibit.  Included in the new attraction are original puppets, animatronic prototypes, and artwork and designs from noted fantasy artist Brian Froud.

"Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic" is included with the price of admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.  The Center for Puppetry Arts is located at 1404 Spring Street Northwest in Atlanta, and the museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.  Museum admission costs $12.50 per person.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken is a huge Jim Henson fan, and couldn’t wait to spend the morning getting a look at this new exhibit!  He also got to sit down with Henson's son, film director Brian Henson, and got some scoop on the upcoming Netflix prequel series to The Dark Crystal!