Having a Ball: Visiting the Lucy Desi Museum

a Corner View of the Lucy and Desi Museum Building Against a Clear Blue Sky the Two story Brick Structure Features Large Black and White Photos of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz with the Museum Name Prominently Displayed on Banners

Finding My Way

The directions given by the folks at the National Comedy Center to reach the Lucy Desi Museum were simple: up one block and over two. That it was, to the corner of E. 3rd Street and N. Main St. I sauntered into this tiny front shop area, flashing my pre-purchased ticket like a VIP and breezed past a couple of older couples who looked lost.

About the Museum

The Lucy Desi Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of comedy legends Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Located in Ball’s hometown, the museum celebrates the iconic couple’s contributions to entertainment and their enduring legacy.

a Display at the Lucy and Desi Museum in Jamestown Ny Features a Wall Adorned with Heart shaped Photos of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz the Text lucy Desi Museum Jamestown Ny is Prominently Displayed in the Center | Life of Bryan

There is a vast memorabilia collection, including original costumes, props, and personal items from the stars’ careers. The museum showcases rare photographs, scripts, and behind-the-scenes footage from their groundbreaking sitcom “I Love Lucy” and other productions.

a Display Case at the Luci and Desi Museum in Jamestown Ny Features a Black and White Vinyl Record Two Small Wooden Drums and Several Film Reels the Case is Part of an Exhibit Labeled with a Red Sign Featuring a Heart and the Number 11

a Museum Display at the Luci and Desi Museum in Jamestown Ny Features a Historic Suit with a Bow Tie on a Mannequin a Hat with a Wig on a Stand and Worn Shoes on the Floor a Framed Drawing is Placed Below the Hat with Curtains and Documents in the Background

Interactive exhibits allow fans to enter recreated sets from famous “I Love Lucy” episodes, providing an immersive experience. The museum also highlights Lucille Ball’s early life in Jamestown, offering insight into the roots of her comedic genius.

a Retro inspired Living Room with Vintage Furniture a Beige Sofa Set Wooden Coffee Table Red Lamps and an Old Television Set Striped Wallpaper and a Blue Carpet Add to the Nostalgic Ambiance Various Decor Items and Pictures Are Displayed Including Memorabilia from the Luci and Desi Museum in Jamestown Ny

About Lucy

Lucille Ball, was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown. This small city in Chautauqua County would forever be known as the hometown of one of America’s most beloved entertainers. Jamestown, nestled in the southwestern corner of New York State, played a significant role in shaping Ball’s early years and fostering her creative spirit.

a Blue and White Sign Reading "Lucille Ball Memorial Park" is displayed against a backdrop of trees and a grassy field in Jamestown, NY. The sign, surrounded by small green bushes, features gold and white text. A red wooden fence is visible in front of the sign near the Luci and Desi Museum. — Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Nearby Celeron Ny

a Life sized Bronze Statue of Lucille D Ball in a Vintage Dress Cinched at the Waist Stands with One Hand on Her Hip and the Other Holding Her Skirt the Plaque Reads "Lucille D. Ball." Situated outdoors in a park in Jamestown NY, near the Luci and Desi Museum, trees and grass frame this tribute. — Lucille Ball Memorial Park in Nearby Celeron Ny

Ball’s roots in Jamestown remained an important part of her identity, even as she achieved international fame. The city’s influence on her formative years contributed to the down-to-earth charm that endeared her to millions of fans. (Visit 59LucyLane.com for the history of her home)

a Vintage Newspaper Cover from the jamestown Sun Dated February 6 1956 Features a Black and white Photo of a Smiling Man and Woman the Headline Joyfully Reads welcome Home Lucy and Desi with Visible Retro Design Elements and Some Photograph Graininess | Life of Bryan — Lucy and Desi Jamestown Sun 1956

a Vintage Newspaper from February 7 1956 Titled jamestown Sun the Headline Reads city Greets Lucy Desi Throng Sees Couple Arrive It Features Photos of the Couple with a Large Crowd Below Them the Article Covers Their Arrival and Reception Displayed at the Luci Desi Museum in Jamestown | Life of Bryan — Lucy and Desi Jamestown Sun 1956

Today, Jamestown continues to honor its most famous daughter, ensuring that Lucille Ball’s connection to her hometown remains a cherished part of both local and entertainment history.

Museum Part Deux

The museum is divided into two sections. After exploring the first part, you need to exit and walk two doors down to enter the second half, which is the gallery that highlights many of her movie endeavors as well as costumes and outfits from many of those movies.

a Display Case Filled with Various Clippings Photographs and Posters Featuring a Lucille Ball It Includes Black and white and Color Images Magazine Covers and Promotional Materials Showcasing Her Career in Television and Movies This Exhibit is Part of the Lucy and Desi Museum | Life of Bryan

a Display at the Lucy and Desi Museum Features a Black and white Photo of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz with Text Detailing Their Biography the Background Includes Another Photo of the Pair the Exhibit Highlights the Museum Dedicated to These Iconic Actors | Life of Bryan

a Vintage Movie Projector Stands on Display in Front of a Large Monochromatic Blue Portrait of a Woman the Scene is Bathed in Blue Light a Small Sign at the Base Says lucy and Desi's Movie Projector the Background at the Lucy and Desi Museum is a Deep Shade of Blue | Life of Bryan

Lucy’s Gravesite

Lucy, is buried at Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown, Chautauqua County. Although she was cremated upon her death in 1989, her ashes were interred at Lake View Cemetery after nearly 15 years in California.

a Gravestone with the Name ball Engraved at the Top Surrounded by Flowers and Small Commemorative Items the Names Birth and Death Dates of Henry Durrell Ball Desiderio Alberto Arnaz Ball Lucille Desiree Arnaz Morton and Fred Ball Are Inscribed Many Visiting from the Lucy Desi Museum Pay Their Respects Here | Life of Bryan

In Conclusion

The museum is undoubtedly worth the visit, particularly if you are a fan of nostalgia and Lucille Ball. Moreover, it serves as an excellent two-punch combo with the National Comedy Museum. Lucy was an icon in the comedy world and proudly called Jamestown her hometown.

a Poster Shows an Older Colorized Image of a Smiling Woman with Wavy Short Hair and a Man with Slicked back Hair in Front of a Gate Labeled desilu Studios Above the Poster is a Sign with the Word desilu Written in Yellow Cursive Perfect for Fans Visiting the Lucy and Desi Museum | Life of Bryan

Up Next

Next up on this week’s road tour was attending the Jello Museum in LeRoy, NY, on my way home. The dilemma was, it was two hours from Jamestown and closed at 4 PM. So if I were to leave now, the GPS indicated I would arrive at 3:22 PM. Plenty of time.

So the decision was to go for it. If I made it good, if not I was going to continue on home as I couldn’t imagine that it was worthy of another hotel evening.

What are the museum's operating hours and admission fees?

Certainly, let's dive into the question about operating hours and admission fees for the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, NY.

Operating Hours:
The museum is typically open year-round, but hours can vary by season. Generally, it's open:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

However, these hours may change during holidays or special events. It's always a good idea to check their official website or call ahead to confirm current hours before your visit.

Admission Fees:
As of my last update, the admission fees were as follows:

- Adults: $16
- Seniors (60+): $15
- Youth (6-17): $11
- Children 5 and under: Free

The museum often offers combo tickets that include admission to both the Lucy Desi Museum and the National Comedy Center, which is located nearby. These combo tickets typically offer a discount compared to purchasing separate admissions.

Keep in mind that prices and policies can change, so it's advisable to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and admission fees before planning your visit.

How long does a typical visit to the museum take?

A typical visit to the Lucy Desi Museum usually lasts about 1 to 2 hours. This allows visitors enough time to:

Browse through the main exhibits
View memorabilia and costumes from "I Love Lucy" and other shows
Read information plaques and watch video clips
Take photos (where permitted)
Visit the gift shop

However, the actual duration can vary depending on:

Your level of interest in Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
How thoroughly you like to examine exhibits
Whether you watch all available video content
If you participate in any interactive elements
How busy the museum is during your visit

Some visitors may breeze through in under an hour, while die-hard fans might spend several hours examining every detail. If you're also planning to visit the nearby National Comedy Center, you might want to allocate at least half a day for both attractions.

Remember, there's no time limit once you're inside, so you're free to explore at your own pace. If you're particularly interested in the subject matter, you might want to allow extra time to fully appreciate all the museum has to offer.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues?

The Lucy Desi Museum is generally accessible for visitors with mobility issues. Here are some key points:

Entrance: The museum typically has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Layout: The exhibits are usually arranged on a single floor, making it easier for those with mobility challenges to navigate.
Wheelchairs: The museum often provides wheelchairs for visitors who need them, subject to availability. It's a good idea to call ahead if you need to reserve one.
Wide pathways: The museum generally has wide pathways between exhibits to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Seating: There are usually benches or seating areas throughout the museum where visitors can rest if needed.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are typically available.
Staff assistance: Museum staff are generally trained to assist visitors with special needs.
Parking: There is often accessible parking available near the museum entrance.

However, it's always best to contact the museum directly before your visit if you have specific accessibility concerns or requirements. They can provide the most up-to-date information and help accommodate any special needs you may have.

Also, if you're planning to visit the nearby National Comedy Center as well, you might want to inquire about its accessibility features too, as they may differ from the Lucy Desi Museum.

Is there parking available near the museum?

Street parking: There is typically metered street parking available on nearby streets. These are usually convenient but can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons or special events.
Public parking lots: Jamestown has several public parking lots within walking distance of the museum. Some of these may be free, while others might charge a fee.
Designated museum parking: The museum itself may have a small dedicated parking area, but this would need to be confirmed with the museum directly as parking arrangements can change.
Accessibility parking: There are usually designated accessible parking spaces available near the museum entrance for visitors with appropriate permits.
National Comedy Center parking: If you're also visiting the nearby National Comedy Center, they may have additional parking options that could be used for both attractions.
Downtown parking: As the museum is located in downtown Jamestown, there may be additional parking options in the surrounding area.
Parking duration: Be aware of any time limits on parking, especially for street parking or public lots.
Payment methods: Some parking areas may require cash for meters, while others might accept credit cards or have mobile payment options.

It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most current parking information. They can provide specific directions to recommended parking areas and inform you of any temporary changes due to events or construction.

Does the museum offer any discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel?

Senior discounts: The museum typically offers a discount for seniors. As mentioned earlier, visitors aged 60 and above usually receive a small discount on the regular adult admission price.
Student discounts: While not always advertised, many museums offer student discounts. It's worth inquiring if you're a student with a valid ID.
Military discounts: Many attractions offer discounts for active duty military personnel and veterans. The Lucy Desi Museum may have such a policy, but it's best to check directly with them.
Group discounts: If you're visiting with a large group, the museum might offer group rates.
Combo tickets: The museum often offers discounted combo tickets with the National Comedy Center, which can provide savings if you plan to visit both attractions.
AAA discounts: Some museums offer discounts to AAA members, so it's worth asking if you have a membership.
Local resident discounts: Sometimes, museums offer special rates for local residents. If you live in or near Jamestown, you might want to inquire about this.
Special promotions: The museum may run occasional promotions or discounts during off-peak seasons or for special events.

It's important to note that discount policies can change, and not all discounts may be advertised. It's always best to inquire directly with the museum about current discount options when planning your visit.

Remember to bring any relevant ID (student ID, military ID, etc.) to qualify for these discounts.

Is there a gift shop, and what kind of merchandise is available?

1. Location: The museum typically has a gift shop on-site, often located near the exit or in a separate area of the building.

2. I Love Lucy merchandise: You can expect to find a wide range of "I Love Lucy" themed items, such as:
- T-shirts and apparel
- Coffee mugs and drinkware
- Postcards and posters
- Magnets and keychains
- DVDs of the show

3. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz memorabilia: Items related to the stars themselves, like biographies or photo collections.

4. Replica items: Reproductions of iconic props or costumes from the show.

5. Local products: Sometimes, museums include items from local artisans or products specific to Jamestown.

6. Books: Books about Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, the history of "I Love Lucy," and comedy in general.

7. Novelty items: Fun, themed products like Lucy-inspired candy or vintage-style housewares.

8. Collectibles: Limited edition or collectible items for serious fans.

9. Children's items: Kid-friendly merchandise like toys or educational materials related to the museum's theme.

10. Seasonal items: The shop may offer special merchandise during holidays or to coincide with museum events.

Are there any nearby attractions or restaurants to combine with a museum visit?

Attractions:

1. National Comedy Center: Located very close to the Lucy Desi Museum, this is a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the art of comedy.

2. Lucille Ball Memorial Park: A park dedicated to Lucille Ball, located in her hometown of Celoron, NY, just a short drive from Jamestown.

3. Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History: A nature education center about 3 miles from downtown Jamestown.

4. Chautauqua Institution: A summer resort and adult education center, about a 30-minute drive from Jamestown.

5. Jamestown Audubon Center & Sanctuary: Nature preserve and education center, about 15 minutes from downtown.

Restaurants:

1. Forte: An upscale restaurant serving American cuisine, located in downtown Jamestown.

2. Gialy's: A casual Italian restaurant known for its pizzas and pasta dishes.

3. The Pub: A local favorite serving American pub fare.

4. Labyrinth Press Company: A cozy cafe offering vegetarian and vegan options.

5. Jones Valhalla: A restaurant and bar known for its burgers and craft beers.

6. Sauce: Italian-American cuisine in a casual setting.

7. The Cherry Lounge: A trendy spot for cocktails and small plates.