Comedy Center Park
Explore the history of American stand-up, late-night shows, and more at this cutting-edge, interactive comedy museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Comedy Center Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the history of American stand-up, late-night shows, and more at this cutting-edge, interactive comedy museum.
"Phenomenal museum! Truly one of the most interactive museums I've visited, and definitely full of laughs."
🎟️ Buy Combo Tickets Online
Save money & get 2-day access to Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum. Book in advance!
⌚ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 2.5+ hours for interactive exhibits & memorabilia. Don't rush!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Personalized Comedy Journey
Interactive Exhibits
A wristband customizes your experience, curating content based on your favorite comedians and shows. It's a unique, tech-driven approach to comedy history.
Interactive Comedy Labs
Main Floor
Engage in hands-on activities like creating cartoons, meme-making, and even performing stand-up in a simulated cafe. Fun for all ages!
Rare Memorabilia Collection
Lower Level
Explore a treasure trove of comedy history, featuring props, awards, and personal items from legendary comedians like Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson.
Adults-Only Comedy Zone
Blue Level (18+)
Discover edgier content and exhibits tailored for mature audiences, offering a different perspective on the evolution of comedy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Combo Tickets for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
National Comedy Center/Jamestown
🎟️ Buy Combo Tickets Online
Save money & get 2-day access to Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum. Book in advance!
⌚ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 2.5+ hours for interactive exhibits & memorabilia. Don't rush!
Has anyone been to the Lucy Museum in Jamestown New York? Planning on taking my kids for a trip, as they are huge I love Lucy fans!
Jamestown?
📱 Customize Your Wristband
Tailor exhibits to your favorite comedians for a unique, personalized experience.
🚶 Walkable from Hotels
Many hotels are within walking distance, or find street parking nearby.
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Combo Tickets Online
Save money & get 2-day access to Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum. Book in advance!
⌚ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 2.5+ hours for interactive exhibits & memorabilia. Don't rush!
📱 Customize Your Wristband
Tailor exhibits to your favorite comedians for a unique, personalized experience.
🚶 Walkable from Hotels
Many hotels are within walking distance, or find street parking nearby.
😂 Try the Interactive Games
From joke-telling to sketch recreation, these hands-on activities are a blast for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Comedy Center for its highly interactive and personalized experience, thanks to its innovative wristband technology. The extensive memorabilia and engaging exhibits offer hours of entertainment, making it a surprisingly deep and enjoyable attraction. While some wish they had more time to explore everything, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its unique approach to celebrating comedy.
"Surprisingly entertaining! The NCC is larger and far more detailed than I expected. The staff help you set up a wristband that customizes the exhibits based on your favorite comedians and movies, making the experience totally unique (tech built into the band)
There are three floors to explore, including a lower level with cool memorabilia (Dan Aykroyd, Gabriel Iglesias), an 18+ section (blue level), and a main floor packed with interactive stuff like picking your own stand up comedy show, creating your own cartoon, adding sound effects to a movie, meme-making and history exhibits.
There are some fun things to do with a partner or friend, such as recreating some comedy sketches in a green room and playing a game where you pick and read your opponent jokes to try and make them laugh. Six rounds, winner takes all. You might even want to try doing some Karaoke (in a lounge area with food and drinks - yes adult beverages are available! There's also a nice souvenir shop.
Very well done - you can easily spend hours here!
Pro Tip: Buy the combination pass online in advance. It saves you money and gives you two-day access to both this center and the Lucy Desi Museum!"
M. Klein
"You need a lot of time to enjoy this very high tech museum. We tried to stop by on a travel day and it really deserves hours/full day of time. A great deal of recorded videos to watch and enjoy, but we just didn’t have the time. Favorites were the Joan Rivers exhibit & Rolodex cards from Johnny Carson."
Holly P
"Our family had so much fun (2 adults &2 girls 17 & 16 )staff where very friendly & helpful .start by buying & getting wristband ,then going to computer & picking your favorite comedians each person doing their own. Then Entering the museum You scan your band and your comedians you're interested in will interact with you.lots of hands on interacting .games .we spent 21/2 hrs was not enough time (we had other obligations) we did get through whole museum. Just could not do all the activities which where so much fun! the ones we did do . there's a Cafe , where you can be the stand-up comedian . Clean bathrooms.so many family laughs! We will return !"
Linda Caswell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Comedy Center is located in Jamestown, New York. If driving, there is street parking available nearby, and a parking lot across the street is also an option. Many visitors staying at local hotels find it walkable.
Yes, there is street parking available near the National Comedy Center, and a parking lot is located across the street.
Many visitors report that hotels in the area are within walking distance of the National Comedy Center, making it a convenient option.
Jamestown is accessible by car. If flying, the nearest major airports are Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) or Erie International Airport (ERI), both requiring a drive to Jamestown.
Information on local public transportation to the National Comedy Center can be limited. Driving or walking from nearby accommodations are the most commonly cited methods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a common recommendation is to purchase a combo pass online in advance, which often costs around $43 per person and includes access to the Lucy Desi Museum. This combo ticket offers two-day access.
Yes, buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended. It saves money and can help you secure your entry, especially during peak times or festivals.
The combination pass typically grants you access to both the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum. It's a cost-effective way to experience both attractions.
Purchasing combo tickets online in advance is the primary way visitors report saving money. Check their official website for any other potential group or special discounts.
Opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. It's best to check the official National Comedy Center website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 😂 Onsite Experience
Upon check-in, you receive a wristband that you can register with your preferences, such as favorite comedians. This allows the exhibits to personalize content and interact with you based on your choices, making the experience unique.
Most visitors suggest allocating at least 2.5 to 3 hours, with many recommending a full day to fully explore all the interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and activities.
Absolutely! Families with teenagers have reported having a lot of fun with the hands-on activities, interactive games, and personalized exhibits. There are also family-friendly comedy sketch recreations.
Expect a wide range of interactive exhibits, including creating your own cartoon, adding sound effects to movies, meme-making stations, trivia quizzes, and even a simulated stand-up comedy cafe.
Yes, there is a designated 'blue level' or 18+ section that features more mature content and exhibits, offering a different perspective on comedy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can grab food and drinks. Some visitors mention it's a place where you can even try your hand at stand-up comedy. Adult beverages are also available in a lounge area.
Yes, adult beverages are available for purchase in a lounge area within the National Comedy Center, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Given its location in Jamestown, there are likely other dining options in the vicinity. However, the on-site cafe provides convenient food and drink options during your visit.
While specific menus aren't detailed, it's described as a cafe offering food and drinks, suitable for a break during your visit.
Yes, the cafe and lounge area allow you to enjoy food and drinks, and some areas even offer opportunities to participate in comedy activities.
📸 📸 Photography
While many exhibits are interactive, it's generally advisable to check specific signage regarding photography. Some areas might restrict photos to preserve the experience or due to copyright.
Yes, the unique exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive stations offer many visually interesting opportunities for photos. Capturing your personalized experience with the wristband can be a fun memory.
The memorabilia displays, the interactive cartoon creation stations, and the simulated comedy club settings are often highlighted as visually appealing areas for photos.
Similar to photography, videography rules can vary. It's best to adhere to any posted restrictions to ensure you respect the museum's policies.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient for capturing memories. If you plan on taking professional-level photos, check the venue's policy on larger equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there's an 18+ section, the main floors are very family-friendly. The opportunity to recreate comedy sketches or try stand-up in the cafe provides memorable moments. Visitors with teenagers specifically mention having a blast and not having enough time to do everything, highlighting the depth of activities available. It's a place where laughter is guaranteed, making it a great outing for all ages.
👫 Couples and Friends
The personalized nature of the exhibits means you can explore your shared favorite comedians or discover new ones together. It's an opportunity to laugh, learn, and create new memories in a fun and engaging environment. The combination pass also makes it a great option for a full day of exploration, pairing comedy with the history of Lucille Ball.
🤓 Comedy Enthusiasts
The interactive elements, like analyzing your sense of humor to pull up clips and the detailed history exhibits, are particularly rewarding. You can spend hours exploring the nuances of different comedic eras and styles. The 18+ section also caters to those interested in the more mature and boundary-pushing aspects of comedy. It’s an educational and inspiring experience for anyone passionate about humor.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Interactive Experience: Your Personalized Comedy Journey
Beyond the wristband, the center is packed with hands-on activities designed to immerse you in the world of comedy. You can create your own cartoon, add sound effects to movie clips, or even try your hand at meme-making. For those who dream of the spotlight, there's a simulated stand-up comedy cafe where you can perform for your friends or fellow visitors. The museum also features interactive games where you can test your comedy knowledge or challenge others to a joke-telling contest. These elements transform a passive museum visit into an active, participatory adventure, making it a hit with families and groups.
A Treasure Trove of Comedy History: Memorabilia and Exhibits
The museum thoughtfully organizes its exhibits to cater to various interests. The main floor is dedicated to broad, interactive explorations of comedy's evolution. However, there's also a distinct 18+ section, often referred to as the 'blue level,' which delves into more mature themes and edgier comedic content. This separation ensures that all visitors can find content appropriate and engaging for them. The sheer volume and quality of the exhibits mean that you can easily spend hours absorbing the rich history and diverse forms of comedy presented.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit