The National Comedy Center was named one of TIME’s “World’s Greatest Places” in the publication’s September 2, 2019 cover story, now published online and on newsstands tomorrow. The National Comedy Center was selected as one of only “100 new and newly noteworthy destinations to experience right now” and one of only nine attractions to visit in the United States.
Breaking New Ground
TIME Magazine September 2, 2019 Cover
This annual TIME list—culled from editor and expert nominations from around the world—recognizes 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends and offering guests an experience that’s unlike any other.
As the TIME’s staff describes the list: “How does one measure the greatness of a place – in miles covered, dollars spent, or visitors captivated? Such metrics can play a part, but also important is something that many travelers aspire to experience: the sense that one has stumbled upon the extraordinary.”
National Comedy Center in TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2019’ – Click here
A Destination for Laughter
“We are proud that the National Comedy Center has been selected by TIME – in a worldwide context – as a destination to experience right now,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director. “We set out to build a cultural institution that would do justice to the incredible artists and bodies of work it celebrates, and this global distinction affirms that it does. This honor also validates what our guests tell us every day – that the National Comedy Center is a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone who loves to laugh. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to Jamestown, New York, as we present the art form of comedy in our state-of-the-art museum.”
TIME solicited nominations across a variety of categories—such as museums, parks, bars, restaurants, theme parks, cruises and hotels—from its editors and correspondents around the world as well as dozens of industry experts. Then the publication evaluated each one based on key factors, including quality, originality, innovation, sustainability and influence.
JRA provided master planning, design, project management, and art direction for the highly acclaimed attraction. “We are so happy that the National Comedy Center continues to be recognized on a global basis for its innovative and engaging guest experience,” said JRA Vice President, Shawn McCoy. “From the very beginning of the project, the museum’s leaders were focused on creating something truly special – that would both honor the comedic arts and turn the city of Jamestown into a destination. By all accounts, it seems that their mission has been accomplished.”
For the Love of Comedy
The National Comedy Center was selected last month by People Magazine as one of the “100 Reasons to Love America.” Earlier this year, it was voted a “Best New Attraction” by USA Today readers, ranking #2 out of 20 new attractions and selected as the #1 museum and #1 ticketed attraction in the country. This past March, the U.S. Congress designated the National Comedy Center as the United States’ official cultural institution dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Condé Nast Traveler called the Comedy Center “One of the best museums in the country.” Visitors from all 50 states and nine countries have given the Center a rare 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, ranking among the highest in the attraction and tourism industry.
Press release courtesy National Comedy Center. Image credit: Jay Rosenblatt and National Comedy Center