National Comedy Center

National Comedy Center The non-profit National Comedy Center is the nation's museum and cultural institution dedicated to Comedy Plan your visit at ComedyCenter.org.
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USA Today named the National Comedy Center the “Best New Museum" in the country in 2020, TIME magazine selected it as one of its “World’s Greatest Places,” Condé Nast Traveler called it “one of the best museums in the country” and People magazine named it one of “100 Reasons to Love America.” Visitors from all 50 states and eighteen countries have given the Comedy Center a rare 5/5 rating on TripA

dvisor, ranking among the highest in the attraction and tourism industry. The National Comedy Center's new LaughSafe health and safety program, developed in consultation with health professionals and epidemiologists at UPMC Pittsburgh and UPMC Chautauqua, ensures a safe, worry-free and touch-free visitor experience. Enjoy a fun, socially-distanced experience in our expansive 37,000-square-foot museum space. The Comedy Center offers a visitor experience filled with laughter -- featuring state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a one-of-a-kind, immersive museum environment perfect for the entire family. Based on the vision of Jamestown, NY native Lucille Ball for her hometown to become a destination for comedy, the non-profit National Comedy Center showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. Featuring exclusive collections, world-class exhibits and cutting-edge technology, the Comedy Center presents an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes- look at the time-honed creative processes that have elevated comedy to an art form. Over 50 immersive exhibits enable visitors to take a laugh-filled journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville to the latest viral memes.

Four unforgettable days of comedy. Thousands of fans. More than 50 events. Visitors from 42 states.This month, the Natio...
08/21/2026

Four unforgettable days of comedy. Thousands of fans. More than 50 events. Visitors from 42 states.

This month, the National Comedy Center's 35th Annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival brought Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, Seth Meyers and an incredible lineup of comedy’s best to Jamestown, NY — with stand-up, late night comedy, exclusive museum experiences, and more throughout the festival.

Thank you to the artists, fans, staff, volunteers, sponsors and community who made it such an extraordinary celebration of comedy.

Here are a few of our favorite moments. ❤️

Today, on Day 1 of the 2026 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, we celebrate the birth of Jamestown’s own Lucille Ball! At the...
08/06/2026

Today, on Day 1 of the 2026 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, we celebrate the birth of Jamestown’s own Lucille Ball! At the Lucy Desi Museum and National Comedy Center, we are honored to preserve the legacy of this television pioneer and comedy legend. Celebrate the laughter year-round by visiting Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, New York.

During the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival this week, both the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museu...
08/05/2026

During the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival this week, both the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum are open with extended hours beginning Wednesday, August 5.

Make the National Comedy Center part of your festival experience and explore the story of comedy through immersive, interactive exhibits featuring legendary comedians and unforgettable moments in comedy history. Festival admission also includes special gallery talks, exclusive archive experiences, and kids' comedy workshops.

Then step into the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and discover the legacy of television's most beloved comedy duo.

Purchase admission: ComedyCenter.org/Festival

Comedy legend Carol Leifer comes to the National Comedy Center's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival on Thursday, August 6 at 2...
08/05/2026

Comedy legend Carol Leifer comes to the National Comedy Center's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival on Thursday, August 6 at 2 PM, for an unforgettable afternoon of laughter, conversation, and behind-the-scenes stories.

An Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning writer, producer, and stand-up comedian, Leifer has helped shape some of television's most beloved comedies, including "Seinfeld", "Curb Your Enthusiasm", "Saturday Night Live", "Hacks", and more. She'll reflect on her groundbreaking career, from stand-up to writing for the Academy Awards an incredible 12 times.

Leifer will be joined in conversation by comedian Emmy Blotnick, followed by a book signing.

Copies of Carol Leifer's "How to Write a Funny Speech..." and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Crying" can be purchased with your event ticket and are also available at The Comedy Shop, the National Comedy Center's museum store, where every purchase supports our nonprofit mission.

Get tickets at ComedyCenter.org/Festival

08/04/2026

Seth Meyers brings the same sharp, observational humor that has made him one of comedy's most recognizable voices to the National Comedy Center's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival this August.

Join us on Sunday, August 9, as Seth takes the stage in Jamestown for an evening of acclaimed stand-up.

Get tickets at ComedyCenter.org/Festival

Caregiving takes strength — laughter helps.Join us for our free, Award-winning Memory Café at the National Comedy Center...
08/01/2026

Caregiving takes strength — laughter helps.
Join us for our free, Award-winning Memory Café at the National Comedy Center on Monday, August 3, 2026. Designed for individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers, this welcoming monthly event offers connection, joy, and a chance to revisit unforgettable comedy moments.

Always on the first Monday of every month, always free!

Next Event: Monday, August 3
10 AM museum exploration
11 AM social time + interactive program

Register now — space is limited: ComedyCenter.org/MemoryCafe

07/31/2026

The story of comedy lives here.

A museum about comedy? Yes — and it’s unlike anything you'd expect. At the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York...
07/28/2026

A museum about comedy? Yes — and it’s unlike anything you'd expect.

At the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, visitors laugh, explore interactive exhibits, and discover the story of comedy in ways that are immersive, surprising, and seriously fun. It’s a Hall of Fame for comedy.

Laughter Lives Here.

Plan your visit: ComedyCenter.org

A special thank you to Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a Gold sponsor of the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Com...
07/25/2026

A special thank you to Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a Gold sponsor of the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.

A special thank you to M&T Bank, a Gold sponsor of the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.
07/24/2026

A special thank you to M&T Bank, a Gold sponsor of the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival.

Address

203 W. 2nd Street
Jamestown, NY
14701

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

(716) 484-2222

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