The National Comedy Center
An Interactive Playground for Comedy Fans

By Kate Bartlett

    The National Comedy Center in Jamestown is stepping into their 7^th full spring and summer season. Since opening in August 2018, the museum has grown each and every year, and has been named The Best Museum in the Country by USA Today, one of the World’s Greatest Places by TIME Magazine, and most recently, the Best Museum in Western New York by the Buffalo News’ Best of 716 Awards.  The museum continues to offer an immersive and interactive experience for comedy fans of all ages.

    Gary Hahn, Vice President of Marketing and Communication for the National Comedy Center, says the cultural institutioncontinues to receive accolades from the media and from visitors because it’s one of the most interactive and immersive museums in the country.  “From day one, our mission was to create a museum experience as dynamic and personal as comedy itself. With our comedy profile technology, each guest enjoys a visit tailored to their unique sense of humor stored on a LaughBand — whether it’s observational stand-up, sketch, or satire. It’s a choose-your-own-laughs adventure that makes every experience one of a kind.”

While the museum continues to add exhibits, personalized experiences remain at the heart of every visit. Visitors can explore comedy’s evolution on the 60-foot Comedy Continuum video wall, step into the Stand-Up Lounge to hear legendary routines, or relax in the TV Living Room while enjoying classic sitcom moments. Guests can even take the spotlight themselves by performing stand-up on the Comedy Karaoke stage. The Johnny Carson Immersive Experience invites visitors to reflect on the legacy of the “King of Late Night,” featuring Jimmy Fallon as the hologram host, while the Carl Reiner exhibit celebrates one of comedy’s most influential creators and collaborators. For those 18 and older, the museum’s Blue Room offers an uncensored look at comedy that pushes boundaries and sparks conversation.

     Kids and teens can create their own cartoon characters and viral memes, step into classic movie and TV scenes using green screen technology or challenge a friend to a Laugh Battle to see who tells the best jokes, and more. It’s no wonder that U.S. News & World Report named the National Comedy Center a Top 25 Family Weekend Getaway in the country and Western New York Family Magazine praised the Center as a “Must See Destination… recommended for school-aged children and up.”

    From rare artifacts and behind-the-scenes stories to immersive exhibit experiences, the museum invites every guest to dive deep into the art of comedy in a way that matches their unique sense of humor. New artifacts on display include Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias’ vintage VW Bus from his record-breaking Stadium Fluffy Netflix special, the first-ever comedy performance to sell out Dodger Stadium. Also featured is Joan Rivers’ legendary file of 65,000 jokes, which impressively holds every joke she wrote across her fifty-year career, offering a rare look inside one of the most influential comedic minds of all time. An expanded Saturday Night Liveexhibit is also debuting this month, marking the iconic show’s 50th anniversary. Highlights include the very first SNL script from October 11, 1975, and cue cards from the viral Nate Bargatze sketch “Washington’s Dream,” offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the legendary sketch comedy show.

The National Comedy Center will host their annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival August 7-10 — a celebration of comedy’s contemporary stars and rising talent from across the country. Over 50 live events will be presented over these four days including an evening with Jon Stewart (sold out), a stand-up showcase featuring music by Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers band, an on-stage discussion with Saturday Night Live head writer Streeter Seidell and cast member/writer Mikey Day, Comedy Late Night shows, Lucy-themed events, block parties, live music, and more. “The entire town really comes alive during the Comedy Festival,” says Gary. “We’re proud to host this annual event and looking forward to this year’s incredible lineup.” Details and tickets available at ComedyCenter.org/Festival.

Gary encourages both new and returning visitors to explore what’s new at the National Comedy Center, and to revisit familiar favorites with fresh eyes. “No two visits are ever the same,” says Gary. “The experience is customized to each guest’s sense of humor, and there’s so much comedy packed into every exhibit. It always feels fresh, whether it’s a new exhibit, a rare artifact, or just catching a comedy bit that you didn’t see the first time, there’s always something new to discover.

For more information, visit comedycenter.org and follow on social media.