24 Jun National Comedy Center Named One of People Magazine’s ‘100 Reasons to Love America’ in Magazine’s July 1 Cover Story
JAMESTOWN, NY – June 24, 2019 – The National Comedy Center was just named one of PEOPLE Magazine’s “100 Reasons to Love America” in the publication’s July 1, 2019 cover story, just out on newsstands and online.
One of only three museums to be named on its annual list of the nation’s most beloved treasures, PEOPLE cited the National Comedy Center as “the country’s first museum devoted to comedy” and “worth the trip to Jamestown, NY, Lucille Ball’s hometown.”
“We are proud to be included on this prestigious list created by PEOPLE Magazine,” said Journey Gunderson, National Comedy Center Executive Director. “As Americans hit the road over the July 4th holiday weekend and beyond, we hope they’ll come visit Jamestown, NY to see for themselves why the National Comedy Center is a national treasure and a great reason to love America. This is one more validation of everything our visitors have been saying about the experience. It exceeds everyone’s expectations, and I’m glad People has recognized it in this national context.”
“Our goal was to create a world class attraction where patrons from all over the world would be entertained and educated, and just have fun”, said Tom Benson, the National Comedy Center Project Chairman. “When I walk through the Center now and hear laughter ringing out from all corners, from people of all ages and walks of life, I know that we hit our mark.”
The National Comedy Center was voted a “Best New Attraction” by USA Today readers earlier this year, ranking #2 out of 20 new attractions and ranking as the #1 museum and #1 ticketed attraction in the country. In 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. Conde Nast Traveler called the 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.
About the National Comedy Center
Opened in August 2018 in Jamestown, New York, the National Comedy Center offers an unprecedented visitor experience using state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create the first true 21st Century museum environment.
Based on the vision of Jamestown native Lucille Ball for her hometown to become a destination for comedy, the National Comedy Center showcases comedy’s great minds and unique voices in ways that engage, inspire, educate and entertain. As a non-profit institution, the National Comedy Center was funded by a mix of federal, state and private philanthropic support, including partnerships with I LOVE NEW YORK ™, Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State’s Empire State Development.
Featuring exclusive collections, world-class exhibits and leading-edge technology, the National Comedy Center presents an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at the time-honed creative processes that have elevated comedy entertainment to an art form. Over 50 innovative exhibits within the 37,000-square-foot facility enable visitors to take an interactive journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville to the latest viral memes. Throughout their personalized experience, visitors gain a profound appreciation for comedy icons and innovators, as well as for the tremendous influence of humor on how we think, live and laugh.
Design for the National Comedy Center was led by the most prominent cultural and interactive design firms in the world, whose portfolios collectively include the award-winning 9/11 Memorial Museum, The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The College Football Hall of Fame, SNL: The Experience, and more.
The National Comedy Center has been embraced by the entertainment industry, with props, costumes and archival material provided by many of the most revered names in comedy. The National Comedy Center’s exhibition partners include Carl Reiner, Carol Burnett, George Shapiro and Jerry Seinfeld, Kelly Carlin and the George Carlin estate, Dan Aykroyd, Alan and Robin Zweibel, Joan Dangerfield, The Lenny Bruce Memorial Foundation, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner, The Harold Ramis Family, The Garry Shandling Estate, George Schlatter, Bill Marx and the Harpo Marx Family, the Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams estate, Desilu Too, NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. Corporate Archive, and many more.
The National Comedy Center also operates the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which explores the lives, careers and legacy of the “First Couple of Comedy,” and the incredible impact they had on the world. The organization also produces the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, with past performers including Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, Jay Leno, Lily Tomlin, Lewis Black, Trevor Noah, Joan Rivers, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Gaffigan, Paula Poundstone, Ray Romano, Bob Newhart, The Smothers Brothers, and more. The 28th annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival this August 7-11 will be headlined by Sebastian Maniscalco and John Mulaney.
The National Comedy Center museum experience is open seven days a week, year round, 10am-5pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10am-9pm Friday and Saturday. For admission information, visit www.ComedyCenter.org.