For a Disney or Muppet geek, visiting Jim Henson Company Studios in Los Angeles has to be on your bucket list.   Unfortunately it is not open to the public, but there are a number of ways you visit.  The easiest way for most people, is to do the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic Tour which includes a visit to the Jim Henson Company Studios.

The Hollywood based studios themselves are historically important as they were originally the Charlie Chaplin Studios built in 1917.

The studios changed hands a number of times before being purchased by the Jim Henson Company.

We loved the little muppet touches around the studios such as the toilets having Miss Piggy and Kermit signs instead of the usual signs to indicate gender.

We also enjoyed visiting Brian Henson’s office – it felt such a honour to just be able to go in and have a look at his office – he wasn’t there the day we visited.  All through the buildings were various puppets and creatures from the workshop, including some from the Dark Crystal and many others that I’m sure I should have recognised.

The tour with Adventures by Disney isn’t cheap.  It costs around $US3000 per person depending on the time of year and is a 6-day, 5-night trip including behind the scenes at Disneyland.  But its worth every cent!