Can you believe it has been 40 years since Sarah first had to solve the puzzle of the maze to rescue baby Toby from Jareth the Goblin King?
Released in 1986, Jim Henson’s fantasy musical masterpiece Labyrinth starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly remains an absolute cornerstone of pop culture. It sits at that rare, magical intersection of iconic music, groundbreaking puppetry, high fashion, and pure 80s nostalgia.
To celebrate its monumental 40th anniversary, The Jim Henson Company has rolled out an incredible slate of celebratory experiences, brand-new consumer products, and behind-the-scenes access that every true fan needs to know about.
Entering the Maze: The 40th Anniversary Merchandise Collection
The milestone anniversary has sparked a massive wave of creative merchandise partnerships. Whether you are looking for high-end collectibles or nostalgic apparel, this year’s collection is easily one of the most robust rollouts the franchise has ever seen.
Some of the standout product releases hitting shelves include:
- The Goblin King High-Tops by Bull Airs: Easily one of the flashiest drops of the year, these limited-edition sneakers capture the theatrical dominance of Jareth. Complete with cracked-stone toe boxes echoing the maze walls, deep burgundy leather, gold embroidery, and a debossed midsole quote reading “I AM THE GOBLIN KING,” they are built for serious collectors.
- Mantic Games 40th Anniversary Board Game Collection: Tabletop fans can dive back into the realm with deluxe collector’s boxes featuring the core game, the Fireys!, Goblins!, and Humongous! expansions, plus brand-new miniatures of Toby, the Wiseman, and the Junk Lady.
- Boutique Apparel & Collectibles: From high-end art prints by Bottleneck Gallery and premium action figures by Plastic Meatball to cozy apparel lines from RSVLTS and Cavity Colors, there is no shortage of ways to wear your love for the underground labyrinth.
If you want to check out the full catalog of commemorative gear, head over to the official Henson Shop.
Behind the Magic: The Jim Henson’s Creature Shop NYC Tours
If holding a puzzle or wearing a pair of Goblin King sneakers isn’t close enough to the magic for you, you are in luck. For the first time, the legendary Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in Long Island City, Queens has been throwing open its doors for exclusive weekly behind-the-scenes tours.
Running through September 26, these immersive 80-minute guided experiences offer fans a rare look inside the elite workshop where some of the world’s most famous characters were brought to life:
- Exclusive Access: Walk through the historic studio floors where artists continue to build soft puppets, animatronics, and creatures for film and television.
- Live Demonstrations: Watch an actual Henson puppeteer put on a live demonstration and break down the mechanics behind the movement.
- Builder Meet-and-Greets: Chat directly with the talented fabricators and makers who keep the Henson puppet-building tradition alive today.
- Photo Ops: Pose alongside legendary characters and iconic builds.
Tickets ($150 plus tax/fees) are available for remaining Saturday slots through Jim Henson Experiences. If you are planning a trip to New York City, securing a spot on this tour is an absolute bucket-list item for any Henson fan.
Join the Discussion!
Which corner of the Labyrinth universe has captured your heart the most over the last four decades? Are you planning to grab some of the 40AnimationClip anniversary gear, or have you already booked your ticket to the Creature Shop in Queens?
Let us know in the comments below, and keep checking back right here at MuppetMadness.com for more updates from across the Jim Henson universe!