JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — The National Comedy Center, the first non-profit cultural institution and national-scale visitor experience dedicated to the art of comedy, will celebrate its grand opening Aug. 1-5, coinciding with the organization’s annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown.
The new 37,000 square foot, $50 million facility tells the story of comedy from its origins through the present, with more than 50 immersive, interactive exhibits.
Each visitor will experience a personalized trip through the Center as exhibits respond to one’s personal comedic sensibilities via use of a wristband fitted with an RFID chip worn throughout the stay. Highlights include George Carlin’s massive personal archives that provide a glimpse into one of comedy’s most prolific minds, a hologram theater that presents performances of some of comedy’s most notable figures, and experiences that allow visitors to step into the shoes of comedic artists. Additionally, the National Comedy Center will feature rare artifacts from some of comedy’s most notable names and bodies of work.
Emmy Award-winning comedian Amy Schumer will headline the opening celebrations, performing two shows on Aug. 3 with her show “Amy Schumer and Friends” at the Northwest Arena.
Festival partner COZI TV will present a very special “Conversation with Fran Drescher” as part of the opening week events. The Nanny star will share insights on her storied life and career influences, including Lucille Ball, on Aug. 3.
Continuing an annual series of National Comedy Center dialogues, Violet Ramis Stiel will offer a stage conversation about her new book, “Ghostbuster’s Daughter: Life with My Dad, Harold Ramis.”
Additional programming includes five comedy showcases featuring comedians with credits including appearances on Colbert, Conan, and Last Comic Standing. The weekend will also feature National Comedy Center dialogues, exhibit unveilings, block parties, free kids’ comedy shows featuring the critically-acclaimed Story Pirates and tribute events honoring the influential careers of the “First Couple of Comedy,” Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.
In March, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced his push for a congressional designation for the Center. The new designation would officially make the National Comedy Center the nation’s cultural institution dedicated to the art of comedy, recognizing it as the only institution of its kind with the mission of preserving, protecting, and showcasing the art of comedy and its role in our culture.
Funding for the National Comedy Center was provided by state, federal and private philanthropic support. Through the support of I LOVE NY™, more than $9 million has been provided by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York State’s Empire State Development and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Center is expected to attract more than 100,000 annual visitors and have a $23 million annual stabilized economic impact on the region.
Tickets may be purchased by visiting NationalComedyCenter.org
