If you’re looking for a rainy day activity this fall, or want to introduce your kids to the world of moving images, the Museum of the Moving Image is for you. The museum has always been one of my personal favorite museums in NYC and I loved introducing it to my own children last summer. Now the newly expanded and re-opened museum now has more to offer family visitors.
The museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operations are made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Natural Heritage Trust (administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation).
Here’s what they have coming up through early 2012:
ON VIEW IN THE GALLERIES
Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, through January 16, 2012
The work of the internationally renowned puppeteer, filmmaker, and television pioneer is explored in this Smithsonian traveling exhibition which features more than 120 artifacts, including drawings, storyboards, props, video material, and fifteen iconic original puppets of such characters as Kermit the Frog, Rowlf, Bert, and Ernie. The exhibition is accompanied by an extensive series of special screenings, personal appearances, and workshops. (See below).
Jim Henson’s Fantastic World was organized by The Jim Henson Legacy and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in cooperation with the Henson family, The Jim Henson Company, The Muppets Studio, LLC, and Sesame Workshop. This exhibition is made possible by the BIO channel. Additional support has been provided by The Jane Henson Foundation and Cheryl Henson.
Behind the Screen, Ongoing
Behind the Screen, the Museum’s core exhibition, featuring more than 1,400 historical artifacts, art works, video clips, and interactive experiences that show how moving images are made, marketed, and exhibited—now completely reinstalled with new materials and interactive experiences added.
FILM SERIES AND OTHER PROGRAMS
Halloween (October 30)
To celebrate the scariest time of year, the Museum presents a behind-the-scenes demonstration by special effects makeup artists Mike Marino and a special 80th anniversary screening of Frankenstein with special guest Sara Karloff, daughter of the film’s star Boris Karloff.
Jim Henson Screenings and Programs (Ongoing through January 16, 2012)
In conjunction with the exhibition Jim Henson’s Fantastic World, the Museum presents weekly screenings and events, many accompanied by special guest speakers. Highlights include a full-day workshop on “Televised Puppetry” with John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, Johnny and the Sprites) on November 19, a conversation with Brian Henson on the “Evolution of Puppetry” on December 4, The Muppet Movie on November 19 & 20, compilation programs featuring clips from Sesame Street and Jim Henson’s commercials, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas on November 25 through 27, and other holiday Muppet specials.
See It Big! (Through January 1, 2012)
Some movies are simply meant to be seen on the big screen. This new series, guest curated by Reverse Shot editors, features films that range from classics (Lawrence of Arabia, Play Time) to sci-fi and horror (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and more to be shown in the Museum’s beautiful theater with the films in their proper formats (70mm, 3-D, widescreen).
SCHEDULE OF FAMILY SCREENINGS AND EVENTS: OCTOBER 28–DECEMBER 4 2011
Unless otherwise noted, film screenings take place in the main Moving Image Theater and in the Celeste and Armand Bartos Screening Room at Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street), Astoria, and are included with Museum admission. Workshops take place in the Anne and Andrew Tisch Education Center. Please note the recommended ages or MPAA rating for the events below, as not all screenings are meant for all ages.
“Movie Monsters and More”: A Master Class with Special Effects Makeup Artist Mike Marino
Sunday, October 30, 2:30 p.m.
90 mins. Recommended ages 10+. Get an exclusive behind the scenes look at the craft that goes into creating the makeup effects that make movie monsters, zombies, aliens, and victims so frighteningly convincing. Makeup artist Mike Marino, whose credits include I Am Legend, Black Swan, and Men in Black 3, will transform one of his assistants into a werewolf, applying techniques and materials he uses professionally. Audience members will also have the chance to get up close and see actual props Marino has made for films. At the end of the demonstration, one audience member will be chosen at random to sit for Marino as he applies special effects makeup on them.
Tickets $15, including Museum admission/$10 Museum members. Advance tickets are available online at movingimage.us or by calling 718 777 6800.
Frankenstein
Special 80th Anniversary Screening with Sara Karloff in person
Sunday, October 30, 7:30 p.m.
Dir. James Whale. 1931, 70 mins. Recommended for ages 10+. With Boris Karloff. “Thank God for the monster!” said Boris Karloff of the role that made him immortal. Variety praised Karloff’s “terrifying face of demented calm, a fascinating acting bit of mesmerism.” Considering he became famous for his performances in horror movies, Karloff was one of the most beloved actors in the history of Hollywood. In his many roles in film, stage, and television, he projected a compelling blend of menace and gentleness, bringing humanity to his monsters and a touch of macabre humor to nearly all his characters. This screening celebrates the 80th anniversary of the movie that made him a major star. Sara Karloff, the actor’s daughter, will talk about her father and show a reel of home movies.
Sell! Sell! Sell! The Commercials of Jim Henson
With Karen Falk in person (both days)
Saturday, November 5. 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 6, 1:00 p.m.
Recommended for all ages. Jim Henson Company Archivist Karen Falk presents commercials and industrial films created by Jim Henson, including irreverent and award-winning spots for Wilkins Coffee, and ads for Purina, La Choy, IBM, and more. These commercials introduced such irresistible characters as Rowlf the Dog, Delbert the La Choy Dragon, and Sir Linit. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
“Brought To You By…” The Short Films of Sesame Street
Saturday, November 12, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 13, 1:00 p.m.
Recommended for all ages. This program highlights the animated and live action short films produced for Sesame Street since its inception—including animated classics like “Ladybug Picnic,” “Alligator King,” and several counting films created by Jim Henson. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
Preview Screening: The Muppets
Thursday, November 17, 7:00 p.m.
Dir. James Bobin. 2011. Rated-PG. With Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper. In the first Muppet movie in more than a decade, the Muppets must reunite, with the help of three fans, to save their old theater from a greedy oil tycoon. This special preview screening is presented courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs and After Hours.)
Tickets: $20 public / $15 Museum members / Free for Silver Screen and Red Carpet Kids members and above. Advance tickets are available online at movingimage.us or by calling 718 777 6800.
The Muppet Movie
Saturday, November 19, 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 20, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. James Frawley. 1979. 95 mins. Rated-G. With Jim Henson, Frank Oz. In anticipation of the new movie The Muppets, here is a chance to look back at Kermit’s beginnings. We follow him from his origins in a swamp to Hollywood fame, assembling his posse along the way. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
Artist-Led Workshop:
Televised Puppetry Master Class with John Tartaglia
Saturday , November 19, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.*
Recommended for ages 10+. Professional puppeteer John Tartaglia, the Tony- and Emmy-nominated star of Broadway’s Avenue Q and Disney Channel’s Johnny and the Sprites, leads this daylong workshop on the craft of televised puppetry. Working closely with Tartaglia, participants will have the opportunity to develop characters and voices, interpret scripts, and learn behind-the-scenes secrets and stories. Then, they will stage their own televised puppet show, learning how to use a monitor and camera frame, improvising for the screen, and developing their eye focus and lip-synch skills. This dynamic workshop is open to beginners as well as young people with previous puppetry experience. *Please note: This workshop was previously scheduled for November 11, Veterans Day, and has now been rescheduled for November 19.
$75 materials fee/$65 for Red Carpet Kids members. Advance tickets are available online at movingimage.us or by calling 718 777 6800.
Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
Friday, November 25, 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 26, 1:00p.m.
Sunday, November 27, 1:00 p.m.
Recommended for ages 5+. Dir. Jim Henson. 1977, 65 mins. This beloved television special tells the story of Ma Otter and her son Emmet, who both secretly enter a talent contest to win money for each other’s Christmas presents. These screenings include outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
Fantasia
Friday, November 25, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 26, 3:00p.m.
Sunday, November 27, 3:00 p.m.
1940, 124 mins. Rated-G. Archival 35mm print of the original road-show version. Walt Disney put it all on the line for this passion project combining his love of cartoons and classical music. Though the result baffled many in its day, Fantasia went on to be one of the most beloved, influential films of all time. Set to works by Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, and more, the wordless, exquisitely drawn segments that make up this ambitious masterpiece constitute a high point in animation. (Part of See It Big!)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Friday, December 2, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 3, 1:00 p.m.
Dir. Steven Spielberg. 1977, 137 mins. Rated-PG. New 35mm print of the director’s cut. This operatic tale of a group of humans (including Dreyfuss’s suburban everydad) preparing to make contact with mysterious outer-space visitors is an emotionally stirring, visually jaw-dropping journey. Featuring Oscar-winning cinematography by the great Vilmos Zsigmond, Spielberg’s first story about extraterrestrial life is out-of-this-world moviemaking. On the big screen, that’s one mother of a spaceship. (Part of See It Big!)
Labyrinth
Saturday, December 3, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 4, 1:00p.m.
With puppeteer Brian Henson (Hoggle, goblins) and Brian Froud, Wendy Froud, and Toby Froud
Dir. Jim Henson. 1986, 101 mins. Rated PG. With Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie. In order to save her brother, who has been captured by the Goblin King, Sarah must find her way through a magical labyrinth. Rich with elaborate set pieces, including a castle inspired by M.C. Escher, and a witty and fantastical script by Monty Python member Terry Jones, the result is a stunning visual achievement. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
Tickets: $20 public / $15 Museum members / Free for Silver Screen members and above.
The Evolution of Puppetry: A presentation by Brian Henson
Sunday, December 4, 7:00 p.m.
Recommended for ages 10+. Brian Henson, son of Jim Henson, Chairman of The Jim Henson Company, and award-winning director, producer, and puppeteer, will explore the unique Henson technique and style of puppetry that revolutionized the art form for television and film. Henson will present an overview of the groundbreaking technical achievements in animatronics and digital puppetry that continue to be a part of the Company’s legacy. (Part of the series Henson Screenings and Programs.)
Tickets: $25 public / $20 Museum members / Free for Silver Screen members and above.
MUSEUM INFORMATION
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, 10:30 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Holiday hours: The Museum will be open on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. December 26 and January 2. On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), the galleries will close at 5:00 p.m. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 24) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
Film Screenings: Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, and as scheduled.
Museum Admission: $12.00 for adults; $9.00 for persons over 65 and for students with ID; $6.00 for children ages 3-18. Children under 3 and Museum members are admitted free. Admission to the galleries is free on Fridays, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, film screening are included with paid Museum admission. Tickets for special screenings and events may be purchased in advance by phone at 718 777 6800 or online.
Location: 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street) in Astoria.
Subway: R (all times) or M (weekdays only) to Steinway Street. N (all times) or Q (weekdays only) to 36 Avenue.
Program Information: Telephone: 718 777 6888.
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