The Muppet Show at the Smithsonian

Who can forget the Muppets? The Muppet Show was one of my favorite shows as a kid and I wish I could find some episodes of it online (I'm sure there are some out there, I just need to look for them). Of course, the two old dudes were my favorites. Of course.

Now through October 5^th, The Smithsonian Institution is running the "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" exhibit, featuring the Muppets, over 100 original drawings, and more. The exhibit traces his career from cartooning to animation to puppetry, through to his unfortunate demise in 1990.

Henson's first show was for the Washington NBC affiliate, called Sam and Friends. Kermit the Frog originated from this and went on to become a multi-media superstar. The exhibit features the first sketch of the infamous frog, as well as an authentic, 1970s version of the green guy. Originally created in 1955 from a turquoise coat and pingpong balls, Kermit developed into the infamous, skinny-legged froggy we all know and love.

The Muppets will depart Washington and make their way through nearly 10 more cities by 2011 on their three-year tour.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008