National Comedy Center: America's Comedy History Museum

Discover the National Comedy Center, the premier museum showcasing America’s rich comedy history. Explore exclusive collections and exhibits that offer a behind-the-scenes look at comedy’s great minds and unique voices.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • National Comedy Center - Head inside and enjoy the museum’s immersive exhibits and experiences to learn how the nation’s comedy developed, from vaudeville to viral memes. Stand in the shoes of pros, try stand-up, chart comic greats, and more; and upgrade to include admission to the nearby Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.
What's Included
  • Admission to key attractions
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks (available for purchase)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Guide
Additional Information

The National Comedy Center, located in Jamestown, New York, is America’s first high-tech facility committed to narrating the pivotal narrative of the nation’s comedy scene. As a not-for-profit cultural establishment, it honors the exceptional intellect and distinctive voices of comedy, spanning from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Its unparalleled…

Location
National Comedy Center
203 W 2nd St
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(152 Ratings)
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Douglas_p
Nov 12, 2025
Trip down Hilarity Lane - Ability to linger on person or topic and drill down. Solid mix of film, video, historic objects and sound.
Review provided by Viator
Liblady56
Nov 9, 2025
Must visit - The was a great addition to after visiting the Lucy's Museum. It also is very well done and interactive. They will even send photos to you and response from your questions to your email. I did have problems with my bracelet, but they worked to fix it too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
102lanef
Nov 8, 2025
A wonderful experience! - Very interactive and informative about the history of comedy. Very clean and people were very friendly. It was a great flow and can spend the whole day there.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adampaulsmith
Nov 4, 2025
True Joy to Visit - The National Comedy Center was a true joy to visit. It was so much fun to explore all the comedy history and watch clips of so many different types of comedy. If you enjoy comedy at all (and who doesn't?!) then you'll have a great time at the National Comedy Center. We spent 6 hours there and easily could have spent more -- so give yourself plenty of time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tbendis
Nov 2, 2025
Great Museum — Highly Recommended! - Fantastic museum — very well done! There are a ton of exhibits to see, watch, and interact with. If you like comedy, you'll enjoy spending time here.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rochestertacky
Oct 22, 2025
It’s a must for anyone who enjoys comedy - This place was a blast! If you are a fan of comedy, this is a must see. We spent almost 4 hours there and will probably have to go back to see the rest. If you are coming from out of town and spending the night, check with your hotel. They may have discount coupons or packages for the museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
62hts
Sep 26, 2025
Sublime experience! - The National Comedy Museum is worth a trip, wherever you come from! It is relevant, interactive, and incredibly engaging! We loved the Johnny Carson: the immersive experience was worth the price of admission. There are numerous interactive exhibits and knowledgeable staff throughout the place. They even have someone who comes around to get your drink - yes, a real drink, like wine, etc.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryns962
Sep 17, 2025
A National Comedy Center - can't help but be entertained! - As a tour director, I escorted a group here, so while I identify it as business, it was still pure fun with new friends. We had a full day of sightseeing in the area and only 90 minutes was here at the Comedy Center, but I would recommend at least two hours (though this will differ with each person depending upon your attention span!). There is a lot available here and if in the area for long enough to spend more than just one visit, that's what I would recommend because otherwise it might be a bit overwhelming to some. Great technology is in use as you receive a microchipped wristband that you then fill at an easily used kiosk at the entrance with your favorite shows, sitcoms, podcasts, etc. (chosen from a list) which helps to personalize your experience as you wander through. There are places to sit and watch clips of some of your favorite shows, there's a theatre area where Jimmy Fallon's hologram is the host of a variety of Johnny Carson clips, and much, much more! There's also a terrific gift shop if you like to purchase things to commemorate your visit or for gifts for others. Probably not good for younger children simply because they're likely not going to be entertained by the comedy that entertains the adults!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jillkm76
Sep 14, 2025
Worth the visit. - Bought the combination ticket to the Lucy Desi museum. It was truly worth it. It's interactive, which makes it entertaining. Lots of comedy history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eh204
Sep 22, 2025
Confusing and not worth our time. - From the beginning this place was not well structured. They had us run through a bunch of questions on a screen about our favorite comedians, in a geese to form a more personal experience, only to end up asking for you personal information, email etc., before you could finish the "personalization". We both opted out of it. Very confusing, not worth the money. We left after 15 minutes of walking in. Stick to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz museum only.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $37
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).