Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers: Visiting the National Comedy Center

Pre-Game

Following an expenditure of $500 for an evening’s entertainment, I embarked on the journey to Jamestown, New York, to visit the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The route, as usual, consisted primarily of secondary roads, where I observed more than I can count of folks selling word bundles and again more Dollar General stores. On this trip, I have never seen so many Dollar Generals. Somewhere in the area of fifteen or so.

Close up of a Large White Wind Turbine with Three Blades Set Against a Clear Blue Sky | Life of Bryan

a Person Driving a Tractor with Large Hay Rakes on a Rural Road Another Vehicle Approaches from the Opposite Direction the Scene is Surrounded by Green Fields and Hills Under a Partly Cloudy Sky | Life of Bryan

I arrived at the National Comedy Center approximately 10 minutes before its scheduled opening time of 10:00 AM. The number of folks awaiting entry was minimal, with only one other couple, who appeared to be of advanced age, present. This circumstance was deemed highly favorable by me.

The Center

Driving five hours just to visit the National Comedy Center seemed too much, and I had previously decided against it. However, when it became part of a week-long road trip, it turned out to be a worthwhile stop on the journey home.

NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER

Upon entering, you are directed to a “Comedy Profile” kiosk where you select your preferred style of comedy by viewing a variety of comedians, movies, and TV show choices. After completing this, you receive a wristband embedded with an RFID chip (Mansplaining Moment Here) that interacts with the exhibits and displays throughout the Center. The integration of technology throughout the Center is truly impressive.

Visitors are immediately greeted by the George Carlin exhibit, a testament to his enduring popularity as it takes precedence as the first display you encounter.

a National Comedy Center Display Featuring George Carlin's vintage blue clothing: a long-sleeved shirt with vertical pink stripes and a pair of wide-leg pants with floral embroidery at the hem. In front, there's a Grammy Award and various memorabilia are on the wall behind. — George Carlins Vintage Outfit

George Carlin's box filled with colorful file folders, each labeled with different categories such as "FILM PIDs," "MISC. ACCENTS," and "TELEVISION." The box is a white Bankers Box sitting on a shelf with another similar box below it. The background shows a partial wall. At the National Comedy Center. — George Carlins Vintage Outfit

The Interactive

The Center’s technological integration is truly impressive. It offers interactive experiences that include stand-up comedy, touch screens, and touch walls. You can navigate through the content with simple gestures, like a wave of the hand or a flick of the wristband, to flip through pages or reveal more details.

a Digital Screen Displays the National Comedy Center Map with Detailed Labels of Various Exhibit Areas on the Main Level the Right Side Highlights an Event "Johnny Carson: The Interactive Experience," with an image and description.

a Large Screen Displays at the National Comedy Center of a Complex Network Diagram with Various Interconnected Comedy Connections Some Lines Are Red While Others Are Green the Background is Dark with Blurred Blue and White Lights the Screen Has Text and Logos

a Wooden Desk Holds Papers and a Triangular Protractor a Tablet Displays a Scene at the National Comedy Center with Two People Dressed in Brown and Black Outfits Standing with a Caption That Reads "We oughta join." A cookie and a drink are partially visible in the background.

a Long Rectangular Table with Stacks of Colored Paper Several Books a Cup of Coffee and a Smartphone Displaying an Article About the National Comedy Center the Table Appears to Be Set Up for a Creative or Study Session with Additional Bookshelves and Seating Visible in the Background

The Blue Room

The Blue Room, a gem nestled in the depths of the Center, became my sanctuary during my visit. Accessible only by elevator and secured with a wristband-activated door, this clandestine space catered to comedians who pushed boundaries with their edgy, profane, and adult-oriented material. Laughingly, throughout my entire time at the Center, I found myself to be the sole patron of this enclave.

a National Comedy Center Exhibit Dedicated to Lenny Bruce the Display Features Various Photographs Documents and Information Panels Detailing His Life and Work the Name "Lenny Bruce" is prominently displayed in large illuminated letters above the exhibit.

Caught in the Blue Room

a Sign with a Blue Background at the National Comedy Center Contains Warnings and Information About the Blue Room Exhibit It States That the Exhibit Includes Boundary pushing Comedy Which May Be Offensive to Some the Room is Designed for Adults and Viewer Discretion is Advised Before Entering

a Vertical Display Panel in a Museum Features Images and Text Related to the Theme "Hail to the Roast." The exhibit includes multiple photographs illuminated by spotlights and arranged neatly within a blue frame. The National Comedy Center space is modern with additional displays visible in the background.

No Python

I spent about 3 hours walking through the Center checking out all the exhibits and displays. One thing that I was not happy with, very little mention if not at all, of MONTY PYTHON! A disservice particularly in the TV and Sitcom area of the Center. They were the groundbreakers. Still, I enjoyed the Center and am glad I worked it into my retired schedule. Off to see Luci and Desi.

More Photos

Andy Kaufman's white jacket decorated with orange and silver starburst patterns is displayed on a mannequin against a gray background at the National Comedy Center. An orange lining is visible inside. A small portrait and text description are mounted above the jacket.

a National Comedy Center Display Features a Blue Tracksuit on a Mannequin a Photo of Betty White and Several Emmy Awards Placed in Front of the Display Text on the Display Mentions betty White's 'Elka Ostrovsky'" with dates indicating her active years.

How much are tickets to the National Comedy Center?

Adults: $35.50

Seniors (60+): $33.50

College Students: $30.50

Youth (13-17): $28.50

Child (6-12): $22.50

Child (0-5): Free

As of July 2024. Check the website for current prices

How long does it take to tour the National Comedy Center?

To fully experience the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, you'll likely want to allocate about 3-4 hours for your visit. However, the exact time can vary depending on your level of interest and how thoroughly you engage with the exhibits.

The center features over 50 interactive exhibits and displays spread across 37,000 square feet. Some visitors might spend more time at certain exhibits that particularly interest them, while others might move through more quickly.

Keep in mind that the center uses personalized RFID wristbands to tailor the experience to your comedy preferences, which can affect how long you spend interacting with different exhibits.

What are the most popular exhibits at the National Comedy Center?

The National Comedy Center has several popular exhibits that visitors frequently enjoy. Some of the most notable ones include:

Laugh Battle: An interactive game where visitors face off against each other or an AI opponent in a joke-telling competition.
Stand-Up Lounge: Here, visitors can watch performances from various stand-up comedians throughout history.
The Blue Room: This adults-only section explores edgier, more controversial comedy.
Props and Costumes: Displays featuring iconic items from comedy history, such as Charlie Chaplin's cane or costumes from Saturday Night Live.
Hologram Theater: Where visitors can see holographic performances by some of comedy's greatest legends.
Comedy Continuum: An interactive exhibit that shows how different comedians have influenced each other over time.
The Writers' Room: This exhibit gives visitors a chance to try their hand at comedy writing.
George Carlin's Stuff: A collection of notes and personal items from the legendary comedian.
TV Lab: Where visitors can insert themselves into famous comedy scenes from television.

Remember, the popularity of exhibits can change over time, and individual preferences vary. The center's use of personalized RFID technology means that your experience might highlight different exhibits based on your comedy interests.

How often do exhibits change at the National Comedy Center?

The National Comedy Center doesn't typically change its core exhibits as frequently as some other museums might. However, the center does make efforts to keep its content fresh and relevant. Here's what you should know:

1. Permanent Exhibits: Many of the center's exhibits are permanent installations. These form the backbone of the experience and don't change often.

2. Rotating Exhibits: The center does feature some rotating or temporary exhibits. These might change a few times a year, often highlighting specific comedians, comedy styles, or anniversaries of significant moments in comedy history.

3. Content Updates: Even within permanent exhibits, the digital content is often updated. This allows the center to include more recent comedy clips, new stand-up specials, or current events in comedy.

4. Interactive Elements: The center's use of technology, particularly in its interactive exhibits, allows for frequent software updates that can refresh the experience without physically changing the exhibit.

5. Special Events: The center occasionally hosts special events or limited-time displays that can temporarily alter or add to the regular exhibit lineup.

6. Artifact Rotation: In exhibits featuring historical artifacts or memorabilia, items might be periodically rotated to preserve them and to showcase different pieces from their collection.

While the center doesn't announce a regular schedule for exhibit changes, they do make efforts to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors. If you're interested in seeing something specific or want to know about recent changes, it's a good idea to check their website or contact them directly before your visit.

What is the best time to visit the National Comedy Center?

The best time to visit the National Comedy Center can depend on your preferences and priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

Crowds:
- Weekdays typically have fewer visitors than weekends.
- Early mornings or late afternoons often have smaller crowds.
- Summer months and holidays tend to be busier.
Weather:
- The center is entirely indoors, making it a great year-round attraction.
- Winter visits can be appealing as an indoor activity during cold weather.
Special Events:
- The center occasionally hosts special events or exhibitions which might influence your visit timing.
- The annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in August can be an exciting time to visit, but expect larger crowds.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Fall can be a beautiful time to visit Jamestown, NY, with the added bonus of autumn foliage in the surrounding area.
- Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring the town before or after your visit.
Opening Hours:
- The center is typically open daily, but hours may vary seasonally.
- They're often closed on major holidays, so check their schedule if planning a holiday visit.
Local Attractions:
- If you're planning to visit other nearby attractions like the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, consider coordinating your timing.

Generally, for a balance of good weather and manageable crowds, visiting in the spring or fall during a weekday might be ideal. However, the best time truly depends on your personal schedule and preferences.

Remember to check the center's website for current hours, any special exhibitions, and potential closures before planning your trip.

Are there any special events held at the National Comedy Center?

Yes, the National Comedy Center does host special events throughout the year. Here are some of the notable events and programs they've offered:

1. Lucille Ball Comedy Festival: While not exclusively held at the center, this annual August event is closely associated with it and features stand-up performances, discussions, and other comedy-related activities.

2. Comedian Appearances: The center occasionally hosts live performances or talks by well-known comedians.

3. Exhibit Openings: When new exhibits are introduced, there may be special opening events or previews.

4. Anniversary Celebrations: The center celebrates its own anniversary and significant dates in comedy history.

5. Educational Programs: Workshops and seminars on various aspects of comedy are sometimes offered.

6. Comedy Film Screenings: The center has hosted screenings of comedy films, sometimes with discussions or Q&A sessions.

7. Book Signings: Authors of comedy-related books occasionally make appearances for signings and talks.

8. Holiday-themed Events: Special programming around holidays like Halloween or Christmas has been offered in the past.

9. Virtual Events: In recent years, the center has also expanded to offer some online events and programs.

The specific events can vary from year to year, and the center may introduce new types of programming.

To get the most up-to-date information on upcoming events, it's best to check the National Comedy Center's official website or sign up for their newsletter if they offer one.