The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited Case Study

Museum of the Moving Image

Queens, New York, USA

Project Type:

Traveling Exhibition

Services:

Consultation & Licensing:

Museum Partnership Development, Sales & Marketing, Client Management & Venue Booking, Financial Modeling & Budget Forecasting, Merchandise & Sponsorships, Intellectual Property & Brand Management, Contract Negotiation, Market Analysis & Strategic Planning, Exhibition Evaluation & Feedback

Tour Management & Operations:

Tour Preparation & Venue Coordination, Project Management, Freight & Logistics, Installation & Deinstallation Management, Host Kits, Floor Planning, Onsite Staff Training & Technical Support

Overview:

Flying Fish partnered with the Museum of the Moving Image to take The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited on a national tour starting in 2017. Celebrating Jim Henson’s creative genius, the exhibition features iconic puppets, sketches, props, and multimedia displays. Flying Fish provided end-to-end management, from consultation and venue booking to logistics and artifact care, ensuring the exhibition reached and engaged audiences nationwide.

Scope:

Flying Fish provided a full suite of services to transform the exhibition into a successful national tour, celebrating Jim Henson’s enduring legacy while reaching audiences nationwide.

Consultation & Licensing:

Flying Fish delivered strategic consulting to ensure the exhibition’s nationwide success while maintaining the integrity of Jim Henson’s legacy. We expanded the exhibition’s visibility and reach by cultivating partnerships with prominent museums and cultural institutions. Targeted sales and marketing strategies drove venue bookings and captured widespread media attention, significantly boosting attendance. Our team managed intellectual property compliance and branding to safeguard Henson’s work while enhancing its appeal to diverse audiences. Detailed financial modeling and budget forecasting ensured the exhibition’s profitability, while market analysis and strategic planning positioned the tour for sustained success in venues across the country.

Tour Management & Operations:

Flying Fish managed every aspect of The Jim Henson Exhibition’s tour, ensuring smooth transitions and exceptional quality at every venue. From coordinating logistics to optimizing visitor experiences, we oversaw all aspects of tour preparation and execution. Our project management encompassed scheduling, quality control, and on-site implementation, supported by skilled technical teams to ensure efficient installation and deinstallation. We focused on artifact management and preserved the integrity of iconic puppets, props, and memorabilia throughout the tour. We also provided thorough staff training and ongoing technical support to maintain the interactive elements, guaranteeing a consistently engaging experience for visitors at each location.

Impact:

Visitor Engagement:

During its eight-month run at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle, the Jim Henson Exhibition attracted over 300,000 visitors, generating $1.5 million in ticket sales and $7.5 million in general admissions. The exhibition broke attendance records at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, further enhancing the venue's visibility and revenue. These achievements highlight the exhibition's ability to captivate audiences and draw significant crowds.

Revenue Generation:

Merchandise sales and special programming income bolstered the exhibition's financial success, making it a highly lucrative endeavor for the Museum of the Moving Image and its hosting venues.

National Recognition:

The exhibition reinforced Jim Henson's cultural significance by celebrating his groundbreaking creativity through immersive storytelling, interactive displays, and beloved artifacts. It introduced his work to new audiences, deepened connections with existing fans, and solidified the Museum of the Moving Image as a leader in producing meaningful traveling exhibitions.

Flying Fish's expert planning, meticulous artifact care, and strategic tour management elevated The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited into a nationally celebrated traveling exhibition. Through thoughtful storytelling, immersive environments, and seamless execution, Flying Fish enabled the Museum of the Moving Image to honor one of the most cherished creators in entertainment history while connecting with diverse audiences, generating substantial revenue, and inspiring future generations.

Gallery: