SHENZHEN residents were caught by surprise when they were greeted by the beloved Cookie Monster from “Sesame Street” at the MixC World when visiting the commercial complex in Nanshan District.

The “Sesame Street” character is visiting Shenzhen with the art exhibition “Sesame Street: Magical Art World,” which celebrates the 55th anniversary of the globally popular educational television program. Jointly produced by COEXIST, a renowned international art group, and Sesame Workshop, the “Magical Art World” exhibition features paintings, sculptures and installations of “Sesame Street” characters created by 25 collaborating artists from around the world specifically for the exhibition.

Kicked off at the Mixture Gallery of the MixC World on Dec. 20, the exhibition pays tribute to the impressive 55-year journey of “Sesame Street,” which premiered in the United States on Nov. 10, 1969, and is one of the longest-running shows in the world’s television history, with more than 4,500 episodes aired.

The “Sesame Street” characters at the Magical Art World are given new colors, textures and forms by the artists, including Alex Chien, Edgar Plans, Geoffrey Bouillot, Jeremy Yamamura, and Jordi Alós, while retaining their classic traits. Their bizarre visual presentations provide classic symbols with new narratives, inviting audiences to recall their childhood memories and shared connections with “Sesame Street.” The exhibited works feature both abstract artistic interpretations and concrete cultural expressions, showcasing how these beloved characters help enhance cross-generational and cross-border cultural exchanges.

Several giant installations of “Sesame Street” characters, including Bert, created by Spanish artist Edgar Plans, are displayed around the MixC World during the exhibition. Limited edition prints of select exhibits are available at the flash-mop store of the exhibition.

“Sesame Street” is an educational television program that combines education and entertainment in children’s television. The original series has been broadcast in 120 countries, and more than 20 international versions have been produced. “Sesame Street” has received more Emmy Awards than any other programs, and has captured the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide.

The COEXIST Foundation, with headquarters in Washington D.C., the U.S., and London, the U.K., operates internationally to foster cross-cultural understanding. Founded in the U.K. in 2006, it has overseen a number of initiatives aimed at achieving this goal, such as the “Pause for Thought” radio program in partnership with BBC.

Dates: Through March 31

Venue: Mixture Gallery, 4/F, MixC World, Nanshan District.

Tickets: 58 yuan per person; 98 yuan for two persons

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-Tech Park Station, Exit A

(Claudia Wei)