Jamestown: National Comedy Center Admission Ticket

Summary

Comedy legends, interactive laughs & rare stories in Jamestown

You’ll wander through Jamestown’s National Comedy Center with hands-on exhibits, rare memorabilia from legends like Lucille Ball, and even a shot at your own stand-up set if you’re feeling bold. Expect unexpected laughs and small moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing that happened was the woman at the front desk grinned and asked if we’d ever tried stand-up before. I laughed (nervously) and said no way — but she winked and told us to keep an open mind. The National Comedy Center in Jamestown is bigger than I expected, honestly. There’s this low buzz of people chatting and laughing from different corners, and it smells faintly like popcorn mixed with old theater seats. Not what I pictured for a museum, but it fits.

Our local guide, Mark, pointed out a wall of handwritten jokes — some scribbled on napkins by comics I grew up watching on TV. He told us about Lucille Ball growing up just down the street, which made the whole place feel more personal somehow. At one point, my friend tried the “meme generator” (I’m still not sure she gets memes), and we ended up in stitches over her attempt at a punchline about cats and coffee. The exhibits go from vaudeville to viral videos — it’s wild seeing how comedy changes but also doesn’t.

I didn’t expect to get emotional reading some of the tributes to comedians who’d passed away — there’s this quiet corner with old clips playing on loop, and people just sit there smiling at nothing in particular. You can try your hand at stand-up if you’re braver than me (the mic is real; so are the nerves). We spent longer than planned because every room has something weird or funny or oddly touching — like Dave Chappelle’s notebook or a wall where you can leave your own joke behind. So yeah, I still think about that view of all those punchlines layered together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore National Comedy Center exhibits

• Enter the National Comedy Center
• Experience immersive comedy exhibits
• Learn comedy history from vaudeville to memes
• Try stand-up comedy activities
• Chart famous comedians' careers

Top questions

Is the National Comedy Center in Jamestown wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the National Comedy Center is fully wheelchair accessible.

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

You can expect to spend several hours exploring; timing depends on your pace.

Are service animals allowed inside the museum?

Yes, service animals are welcome at the National Comedy Center.

Can infants or small children visit the National Comedy Center?

Yes, infants and children can visit; strollers and prams are allowed.

Does admission include access to all exhibits?

Your ticket includes admission to all immersive exhibits inside the center.

Is there an option to visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum too?

You can upgrade your ticket for admission to the nearby Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.

How far is the National Comedy Center from downtown Jamestown?

The museum is located right in downtown Jamestown, New York.

What’s included

Your day includes admission tickets for all immersive exhibits at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown; you can also choose to upgrade for entry into the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum nearby—no need for printed tickets as mobile vouchers are accepted for up to six months after purchase.