LAUGH ALL DAY IN OUR TWO MUSEUMS CELEBRATING COMEDY IN LUCILLE BALL’S HOMETOWN
In the heart of beautiful Western New York State, just 90 minutes from the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, you’ll find the state-of-the-art National Comedy Center, celebrating the best in American humor in legendary comedian Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY. Guests will embark on a hilarious tour of the comedy world at this new U.S. tour destination recently named the “Best New Museum in the Country” by USA Today. Nestled in beautiful Chautauqua County in western New York State, maximize your visit and add a tour of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, just three blocks away from the National Comedy Center.
The National Comedy Center, listed as one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME magazine, is the United States’ official cultural institution and non-profit museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. The Comedy Center features exclusive collections, world-class exhibits, and cutting-edge interactive technology to create an immersive experience that inspires, entertains, and educates visitors while filling their day with laughter.
Based on the vision of Jamestown native Lucille Ball for her hometown to become a destination for comedy, the 37,000-square-foot facility, boasting over 50 immersive exhibits, showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices using state-of-the-art technology, creating an unprecedented visitor experience through interactivity and personalization based on their own “sense of humor profile.”
FEATURED ON:
MORE LAUGHTER, MORE LUCY
The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum celebrates the lives, careers, and legacy of the “First Couple of Comedy” and the incredible impact they had on the world, as well as the pioneering role and remarkable influence the I Love Lucy and Desilu Studios had on the entertainment industry for generations to come. The museum proudly features wardrobe, rare artifacts, and re-created sets from I Love Lucy – the most beloved TV Comedy of all time. Visitors can take photos on the sets, star in their own Vitameatavegamin commercial, and much more.
Your clients can embark on a guided excursion of Lucille Ball’s historic hometown with The Lucytown Tour (transportation not included.) You’ll see places of significance in Lucille Ball’s life in Jamestown, NY and nearby Celoron, including larger-than-life murals, Lucille Ball’s childhood homes, legendary statues, her final resting place in Lake View Cemetery, and more.
Groups can book a themed meal in advance and experience the re-creation of Ricky Ricardo’s famous Manhattan nightclub – the Tropicana Club, while watching their favorite episodes of I Love Lucy.
Take a LucyTown Tour with Step-on Guide (aboard your motorcoach) of Lucille Ball’s historic hometown, including larger-than-life murals, former homes, legendary statues, and her final resting place in Lake View Cemetery.
Dine at the 
Join us for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in the legendary Tropicana Club located above the Lucy Desi Museum. Enjoy a catered lunch or dinner in a replica of Ricky Ricardo’s nightclub from I Love Lucy as we present a classic episode of the show on the big screen. This immersive, private dining experience is exclusive for Group Tours only and must be reserved in advance. The Tropicana Club is also available for private evening events.
National Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum Suggested Itinerary
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM:
Visit Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and gift shops
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM:
I Love Lucy-themed lunch in the Tropicana Club (a replica of Ricky Ricardo’s nightclub)
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM:
LucyTown Tour with Step-On Guide (aboard your motorcoach)
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM:
Visit the National Comedy Center and The Comedy Shop
The National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum have the capacity to handle groups of all sizes, with free, convenient motor coach parking. We are dedicated to making your trip a fun and memorable experience that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come. We are happy to help customize your experience based on your schedule — from a half-day experience to a full day of laughter, to a multi-day adventure, allowing your guests to enjoy all that Jamestown, Chautauqua Lake, and the Chautauqua County region have to offer.
The National Comedy Center has the capacity to handle groups of all sizes, with free, convenient motor coach parking. A group is considered 20+ paying guests. For group sales inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 716.484.2222 Ext. 303.
TAKE MEMORIES HOME WITH YOU
Visitors can shop for the finest comedy-themed gifts and merchandise in The Comedy Shop – our hub for all things funny in the National Comedy Center. Plus, visitors can enjoy the most comprehensive selection of officially licensed Lucy, Desi, I Love Lucy, and Desilu studios merchandise in our two Lucy Desi Museum gift shops – some collections being exclusively available only at our museums.
Unique Venues, Attractions, and Hotels on Scenic Chautauqua Lake
Home to the largest U.S. grape-cultivating region east of the Rockies and the largest Concord grape growing region in the world. More than 50 miles long, the wine trail includes 23 wineries in Chautauqua County, NY and neighboring Pennsylvania.
The world-renowned, historic Chautauqua Institution on Chautauqua Lake is dedicated to lifelong learning and civic dialogue on matters that shape our world, along with live music and dance performances. During the spring and fall months, the educational and performance spaces are available by major artists.
Dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Robert H. Jackson, Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg. Group tours of exhibits are available, as well as a banquet room and 180-seat auditorium for private events, meetings, and presentations.
Take an excursion on the Chautauqua Belle, the largest and most historic vessel on Chautauqua Lake, as it explores the beauty and history of this scenic body of water.
The living embodiment of Roger Tory Peterson’s legendary field guide for birds, showcasing art that informs, inspires, and illuminates the natural world – art that matters to the planet. A unique setting for meetings, combining world-class art, inspiring architecture and the natural beauty of Western New York.
The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is at the heart of the arts and cultural district in Jamestown, featuring a restored 1,165-seat historic theater, a multi-media arts studio, and pre-function event space.
Located in the heart of historic Jamestown, just steps away from the National Comedy Center and Lucy Desi Museum, this stylish hotel features over 4,000 square feet of meeting space and Pearl City Hops gastropub featuring local brews and regional flavors.
This elegant, well-appointed, nine-acre resort on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake features world-class conference facilities that can accommodate a wide variety of meetings and events for up to 450 guests, with over 10,000 square feet of unparalleled function space.