The National Comedy Center is open for laughs in “I Love Lucy” comedian Lucille Ball’s hometown.
Located in a repurposed 1930 art-deco train station, the 37,000-square-foot center is part is designed to keep visitors smiling as they move through displays of comedic artifacts. There’s the “puffy shirt” from a 1993 “Seinfeld” episode and scripts from the 1960s “Dick Van Dyke Show” along with lively immersive exhibits that invite visitors to explore sound effects and props and make cartoons and memes.
Through the use of RFID wristbands, the exhibits and media of the National Comedy Center are tailored to each visitor’s individual funny bone.
The bravest can take the stage in “Comedy Karaoke,” trying out lines from Jeff Foxworthy or others, or sit at a game show-like set and try to crack up an opponent. But there also are plenty of chances to laugh at the pros in action. A club-like comedy lounge shows stand-up bits, and a movie theater has clips of classic scenes with celebrity commentary. A hologram theater features Jim Gaffigan’s evolution as a performer.
New York State governor Andrew Cuomo officially opens the National Comedy Center.
The $50 million center received $9 million in funding from New York state, along with private and federal support. The House of Representatives on July 23 unanimously approved a bill designating it as the nation’s official comedy center. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, whose cousin, comedian Amy Schumer performed during the Center’s opening weekend, is working on Senate action.
The grand opening week also included events with Lily Tomlin and original “Saturday Night Live” cast members Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman.
Alan Zweibel, Laraine Newman, and Dan Aykroyd share a laugh on the “Saturday Night Live Originators: Hazy Recollections” panel, moderated by Ron Bennington of SiriusXM. The panel was one of many activities surrounding The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and the grand opening of the National Comedy Center.
JRA provided complete planning, design, and project management for the National Comedy Center, which has already received rave reviews from comedians and critics alike:
“…one of the best museums in the country.” – Condé Nast Traveler
“A real destination for everyone who likes to laugh.” – CBS News
For more images of the National Comedy Center, click here.
For tickets to the National Comedy Center, visit https://comedycenter.org/
The above article was excerpted from the Associated Press. Featured image above: Comedians Lewis Black and Alan Zweibel enjoy the interactive exhibits at the National Comedy Center. All photos courtesy National Comedy Center.