Muppets return home to Smithsonian exhibit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - Bert and Ernie are paying a special visit to the city that helped give birth to the "Sesame Street" gang.

But don't expect to see the popular puppets strolling around Washington. Their fame and age make too much exposure a security risk. Instead, they will be making their home, at least temporarily, in the underground International Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution as part of the exhibit "Jim Henson's Fantastic World."

Visitors to the show, which opened yesterday and continues through Oct. 5, will find the Muppets under special lighting, behind glass and closely...