Mission: Impossible Exhibition Blasts Into MoMI This Spring

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Apr 7

The Loby Entrence Museum of the Moving Image. **Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image [Photo Credit: Wendy Moger]**

MoMI Unveils "Mission: Impossible—Story and Spectacle" as the Ultimate Franchise Experience

The Museum of the Moving Image is set to ignite the adrenaline of movie lovers this spring with a thrilling new exhibition, "Mission: Impossible—Story and Spectacle," opening April 18 in Astoria, New York. Timed to celebrate the highly anticipated release of Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning this Memorial Day Weekend, the exhibit invites visitors deep into the pulse-pounding world of Ethan Hunt and his Impossible Missions Force.

In partnership with Paramount Pictures, MoMI has created a franchise-spanning experience that captures the signature blend of suspense, ingenuity, and daredevil action that has defined the Mission: Impossible series over nearly three decades. Anchored by the franchise’s signature devotion to practical stunt work and high-concept set pieces, the exhibit goes behind the camera—and sometimes off the edge of a cliff—to reveal the planning, precision, and performance required to pull off some of cinema’s most audacious moments.

A High-Stakes Journey Through Cinema’s Boldest Action Series

Exhibition title logo for “Mission: Impossible—Story and Spectacle” at Museum of the Moving Image. Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image.

Each section of the exhibit focuses on a specific installment in the Mission: Impossible saga, spotlighting the stunts that have come to define it. From Tom Cruise’s now-legendary free climbs and halo jumps to intricate car chases and wire-fueled infiltrations, Story and Spectacle offers fans an unprecedented look into the craftsmanship behind the chaos.

Production artifacts, exclusive behind-the-scenes materials, and interactive storytelling elements will give visitors insight into the methodical artistry that fuels the franchise. MoMI’s exhibit not only celebrates action but also the character development and narrative stakes that elevate the Mission: Impossible films beyond standard blockbusters.

“For almost 30 years, Mission: Impossible films have thrilled audiences with suspenseful stories and unparalleled practical stunts,” said Barbara Miller, Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs. “MoMI is excited to partner with Paramount Pictures on this major exhibition to explore the series’ unique achievements and create a fun, illuminating experience for fans and visitors.”

The exhibition will be included with general Museum admission and serve as a hub for additional events, including livestreamed discussions and virtual extensions for international fans.

The Art of the Impossible

Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible -The Final Reckoning **from Paramount Pictures and Skydance. | © 2025 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved**

At the core of this ambitious exhibition is the exploration of how the Mission: Impossible series has seamlessly fused story, character, and physical spectacle. From its roots as a 1960s television show to Tom Cruise’s adrenaline-fueled transformation of the franchise into a benchmark for modern action filmmaking, the series has consistently raised the bar for what’s possible onscreen.

The MoMI exhibition doesn’t just showcase the explosive set pieces—it dissects them. Each of the eight films is examined through its defining stunt or narrative turning point. Whether it's Ethan Hunt’s daring HALO jump from Falloutor the now-iconic Langley heist from the first film, each moment is treated with the reverence and detail it deserves. Visitors will come away with an appreciation not just for the spectacle, but for the rigorous storytelling discipline that grounds the series.

Exhibition Features

Signature Sequences: Each movie in the franchise is represented through a spotlighted stunt or action set piece, complete with storyboards, video breakdowns, and exclusive commentary.

Production Artifacts: Costumes, props, gadgets, and camera rigs used in the films will be on display, offering an inside look at the artistry and ingenuity behind the camera.

Interactive Installations: Guests can explore digital interactives revealing the planning and execution behind Cruise’s legendary stunts.

Virtual Access: In addition to the physical exhibition, MoMI will host livestreamed discussions and virtual content for global fans.

Barbara Miller, Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs at MoMI, underscores the exhibit’s significance: “For almost 30 years, Mission: Impossible films have thrilled audiences with suspenseful stories and unparalleled practical stunts. This exhibition will provide both a fun and illuminating experience for fans, new and old.”

Celebrating 40 Years of MoMI and 30 Years of Impossible Missions

**Courtesy of Museum of the Moving Image.**

Founded in 1985, the Museum of the Moving Image has long been a destination for cinephiles, scholars, and industry creatives. With landmark exhibitions like Behind the Screen and The Jim Henson Exhibition, MoMI blends archival depth with technological immersion. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE—Story and Spectacle builds on that legacy, pushing the museum’s curatorial ambition into blockbuster territory.

The exhibition is supported by a Market New York grant from Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, reinforcing New York State’s investment in cultural tourism and cinematic heritage. Admission to the Mission: Impossible exhibition is included with general entry to MoMI.

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The exhibition is made possible in part by a Market New York grant from Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, the tourism division of New York State.

About MoMI

Founded in 1985, the Museum of the Moving Image is one of the nation's premier institutions dedicated to film, television, and digital media. Located in Astoria, Queens, MoMI hosts screenings, discussions, and exhibitions, and houses one of the most comprehensive collections of moving image artifacts in the world. Notable past exhibitions include The Jim Henson Exhibition and Behind the Screen, both acclaimed for blending interactive experiences with deep cultural and technological insight.