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Code of Conduct

GENERAL NATIONAL COMEDY CENTER PROPERTY RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Welcome to the National Comedy Center. We provide an educational and entertaining experience that focuses on the comedic arts in the form of commentary and contextualization of its bodies of work, telling the vital story of comedy in America across all eras and genres of the art form.

 

As a non-profit cultural institution, the museum celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices while providing an examination of the time-honed creative processes that have elevated comedy to an art.

 

While we value self-expression and freedom of speech, we do ask that guests follow our code of conduct and refrain from bringing prohibited items into the Center so that we can offer everyone an enjoyable visit.

 

 

Prohibited Items

 

  • Large carrying bags such as backpacks, duffel bags, and suitcases. Items that are deemed too large to be brought into the Center can be stored in our coat check room.

 

  • Firearms, ammunition, knives, self-defense or restraining devices, and weapons of any kind. Please leave these items at home or in your car. Objects or toys that appear to be firearms or weapons are also prohibited.

 

  • Controlled and illegal substances. Guests who appear to be under the influence of any substance may be asked to leave the Center in order to maintain the safety of everyone. Smoking and/or vaping are not permitted on National Comedy Center property, except in designated spaces outdoors.

 

  • Bikes and Recreational Scooters. Likewise, the use of skateboards, roller blades and rolling shoes are not allowed on the Center campus. We do have parking for bikes and recreational scooters; ask our Guest Services Team Members for more information. Electric handicap scooters are allowed in the Center.

 

  • Pets. Service animals are welcome, but we do ask that you leave all other pets at home. If you are traveling with a pet, please make sure it has adequate ventilation while you are visiting the Center. Please contact us if you need a list of kennels in the area.

 

  • Outside food, drinks and alcoholic beverages. Food and beverages  are not permitted in the Center, except when purchased/consumed in the Karaoke Bar, Riverside Patio, or in the Comedy Shop café. Drinks are available for purchase inside the Center and can be carried throughout if poured into one of our lidded souvenir cups. Alcoholic beverages purchased at the Center may not be carried off the premises.

 

  • The Center will only serve alcoholic beverages to individuals age 21 and over, and proof of age is required. We reserve the right to refuse alcoholic beverage service to any guest who appears to be intoxicated.

 

We reserve the right to prohibit the use or storage of any other item not listed above that we determine may be harmful or potentially disruptive to the experience. We are committed to your personal safety and to the principles of welcoming, sharing, and respect for all. We reserve the right to refuse admission or to remove any person whose conduct deems to be disorderly or abusive or who fails to comply with these or other Center rules. If you feel unsafe or threatened, please contact a team member immediately.

 

Code of Conduct

 

Guests are encouraged to enjoy the Center to the full extent. Please touch, interact and laugh with all of our exhibits. We ask that everyone be considerate of others and conduct themselves in a way that allows everyone to have a good time.

 

Please do:

 

  • Bring your children. Guests under age 14 must be accompanied by a guest age 18 or older to enter. Certain content on the main level may not be appropriate for guests under 18, but we know that sense of humor and maturity level vary by individual. We have a Kids Map available to help guide your visit with children. The Blue Room on the lower level features raw, uncensored comedy and is intended for guests 18 years old or older.. For more information about specific language and subject matter for each exhibit, please ask a member of our staff.

 

  • Changing stations are available in several multi-stall restrooms throughout the Center. A private family restroom with changing station is located in the Admission Lobby. Our multi-stall restrooms mid-way through the attraction have changing stations as well. Strollers are not available to rent, but we do encourage and allow their use.

 

  • Use your discretion. We aim to preserve comedy as an artform without censoring the artists’ material. Main level exhibits may contain potentially offensive content. The Blue Room on the lower level contains raw, uncensored comedy, which is not suitable for children and may be upsetting to some adults. Please consider your own comfort level with sensitive topics before visiting. For more information about specific language and subject matter, please ask a member of our staff.

 

  • Dress appropriately. Shirts and shoes are required for entry (pants, too!). Masks, theatrical make-up, and costumes are not considered appropriate attire, except during authorized special events. We ask that clothing with images and/or text with profanity or graphic material not be worn as we welcome visitors of all ages.

 

  • Explore. Take as much time as you like to discover and enjoy the exhibits. Please pay attention to signage that restricts access to certain areas that are under construction or meant for employees only. For your safety, do not play or jump in elevators. Do not press multiple buttons and only use the emergency phone button for actual emergencies if stuck or trapped in the elevator. Elevators are not accessible when the fire alarm is activated.

 

  • Bring your wheelchair. The Center is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask a Guest Services Team Member for assistance. We regret that wheelchairs may not be reserved in advance.

 

  • Snap a selfie. Share it with your friends and family (or the whole world) via our social channels. No flash photography, please. Commercial photography, videotaping, or live streaming, however, is strictly prohibited. Long lens cameras, tripods, and other sophisticated recording equipment are not permitted inside the Center unless approved and accompanied by a member of the Marketing and Communications team. Members of the press must report to the ticket desk for clearance and must be accompanied by a member of the Marketing and Communications team.

 

Please don’t:

 

  • Be rude. The use of loud, abusive, or otherwise improper language by any guest or performing or engaging in obscene or indecent acts is highly frowned upon and could result in being asked to leave the Center.

 

  • Solicit. The sale of goods or services or the display of goods or services is not permitted. Unauthorized solicitations of any kind, whether commercial, religious, educational, or otherwise, or conducting any unauthorized commercial activities, including solicitations of money or contributions/donations, are not permitted on National Comedy Center property unless prior written approval has been obtained.

 

  • Paper the house. Distributing printed or recorded materials of any kind on National Comedy Center property are not permitted unless prior written approval has been obtained.

 

  • Get on your soapbox. Unauthorized events, speeches, or use of any flag, banner, sign, or other material for commercial purposes or as part of a demonstration are not allowed inside the National Comedy Center. Performances in the Karaoke Lounge must be in good taste, comedic in nature, and for general audiences.

 

Costume Policy for Special Events

 

  • Costumes may not be obstructive, offensive or violent.
  • Guests may wear masks. However, masks must not obstruct vision and eyes must be visible at all times.
  • Costumes should not drag on the ground.
  • Costumes should not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another Guest.
  • Costumes should not contain any weapons which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes should not show undergarments.
  • Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the event unless their costume can be modified to meet the above standards.

 

These rules are subject to change at any time without notice.