National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center is the United States’ official cultural institution and museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Recently named "Best New Museum" in the country by USA Today, one of the "World's Greatest Places" by TIME magazine, "One of the best museums in the county" by Conde Nast Traveler, one of "100 Reasons to Love America" by People and among the “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaways in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report, the National Comedy Center offers an unprecedented visitor experience using state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create the first true 21st Century museum environment.
Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. Over 50 immersive exhibits within the 37,000-square-foot facility enable visitors to take a laugh-filled journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville to the latest viral memes.
The National Comedy Center operates the
Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum, which explores the lives, careers and legacy of the “First Couple of Comedy,” and the incredible impact they had on the world.
Johnny Carson: The Immersive Experience
Johnny Carson: The Immersive Experience, Hosted by Jimmy Fallon is now open at the National Comedy Center. This new exhibit celebrates the legendary “King of Late Night” and showcases Carson’s career while highlighting The Tonight Show’s formative and pivotal role as the most influential platform for stand-up comedy during the three decades that Carson served as the show’s host.
This theatrical experience includes 30 digital projection screens that surround the audience and a holographic host, Jimmy Fallon. Video presentations feature interviews with Steve Martin, Martin Short, Bette Midler, Jay Leno, Mel Brooks, Billy Crystal, Byron Allen, George Lopez, Carol Leifer, George Wallace, Paula Poundstone, Conan O’Brien, Sebastian Maniscalco and more, along with archival video from Carson’s Tonight Show, including legendary Carson monologues and classic Carson characters like Carnac the Magnificent. Historic Tonight Show performances by many of stand-up comedy’s greatest talents are featured.
Carl Reiner Department of Archives and Preservation
The National Comedy Center’s archive is the only national-scale research and conservation facility dedicated to preserving comedy’s heritage. Since its establishment in 2018, the archive has collaborated with numerous artists and estates to preserve and provide access to objects, documents, photographs, and recordings that represent comedy’s great artistic, social, and political contributions to American culture.
The archive is home to over 100,000 objects, including Lucille Ball’s polka dot dress and Lenny Bruce’s typewriter, creative papers from the minds of innovators like George Carlin and Betty White, and production records from the writers’ rooms of landmark series like In Living Color and Saturday Night Live. In addition to its preservation activities, the archive supports exhibit development, academic research, and educational outreach initiatives across the organization.
In March 2021, the archive was renamed in honor of founding advisory board member and comedy legend Carl Reiner, whose own comprehensive career archives joined the permanent collections.
Tickets can be reserved in advance at ComedyCenter.org.
The National Comedy Center's The Comedy Shop features comedy-themed apparel, and home and office accessories. Shop products from your favorite tv comedies, movies, and more while helping the non-profit National Comedy Center preserve the vital story of comedy. Visit our store at the National Comedy Center or shop online at ComedyShop.com.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival
The National Comedy Center also presents the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. More than 100 comic artists have performed as part of the festival’s 30+ year history including John Mulaney, Sebastian Maniscalco, Lewis Black, Lily Tomlin, Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Kevin James, Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Foxworthy, David Spade, Rob Schneider, and Kevin Nealon. Drawing thousands of visitors from nearly every state in the country, the festival features more than 50 events at a dozen venues.
Group Planner Information
Host your special event at the "funniest place in town" from business functions to weddings, the National Comedy Center is a great venue to wow your guests while meeting a range of needs for groups of all sizes. The 37,000 square foot facility has both indoor and outdoor tented space that can be fully enclosed and heated during colder months (between May-September).
The National Comedy Center is a favorite destination of motorcoach groups that visit Chautauqua County. Buses can drop off their guests right in front of the entrance and pick them up as they're leaving the gift shop, making it an easy place for all ages to visit. This attraction is often bundled with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and their Lucytown guided bus tour.
For information about booking space for private events, or group rates for touring the museum contact them at 716-484-2222 extension 303.
