A friend once said to me, “I had no idea that Jim Henson was so brilliant.”

After visiting Jim Henson’s Fantastic World Exhibit at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria, Queens, my friend came to the revelation that many of us have always known — that Jim Henson was indeed one of the most creative minds in America. It may seem like a far reaching statement to make, especially when the man’s specialty was puppets, but his work represented more than just simply making Kermit the Frog or Miss Piggy endearing.

To get ready for the premiere of the newest Muppet Movie that’s about to hit theaters on Thanksgiving, head over to Astoria, Queens for a history lesson of what made Henson’s work so legendary.  On display are not just his iconic puppets, but also his drawings and cartoons.  You’ll see what laid the foundation for The Dark Crystal and get acquainted with his early work from shows like Sam and Friends.  The exhibition is open until January 2012 with 30 minute guided tours available every Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.

To view Henson’s work beyond The Muppets, check on the specially curated screenings on Saturday and Sunday at the museum.  Future screenings include The Commercials of Jim Henson, which will be viewed on Saturday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 6 at 1pm.  The following week on Nov. 12-13, you can check out The Short Films of Sesame Street, which also take place at 1pm.  These screenings are free with museum admission.

(Official website: Museum of The Moving Image )