While Henson is obviously best known for Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, he also created work for television and film in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as films like Fraggle Rock, the Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth. (RIP, David Bowie.)

The Museum of the Moving Image describes Henson as a "restlessly creative performer, filmmaker, and technical innovator." While there's no doubt that's true, Henson's appeal is deeper than his mere technical brilliance. His shows and movies were always, at their hearts, about friendships and building relationships with others. That, in my opinion, is the true reason for Henson's enduring appeal. My school-aged daughter had a long-lasting love affair with Big Bird and Elmo in her younger years (Sesame Place was a big hit back then), so it seemed a natural progression to graduate to other, more mature Jim Henson creations as she aged out of the toddler-focused show. Once we watched The Muppet Movie, she was hooked on Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and all of their fuzzy, mop-topped friends.

And fans really wanted to see this exhibit happen: The recent Kickstarter campaign to fund its new, permanent home exceeded its goal by more than $100,000. And the museum is delivering. In addition, to the original creatures and illustrations, monitors will play scenes from Henson's movies and shows to show how his work evolved.

The Jim Henson Exhibition opens July 22. Advance tickets are expected to be available soon. Also expect family-friendly programming and events, too, although that schedule is still being determined.

Before you head out, visit our Queens Kids Guide to plan a day in the culturally rich borough.

Top photo: Jim Henson and Kermit the Frog in 1978 on the set of The Muppet Movie. Photo courtesy of The Jim Henson Company/MoMI.