The Story of Comedy Lives Here
The National Comedy Center is the United States’ official cultural institution and museum dedicated to the art form of comedy. The state-of-the-art museum celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Exclusive collections and world-class exhibits provide an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the time-honed creative processes that have elevated comedy to an art form.
More than 50 immersive exhibits take visitors on an interactive journey through comedy history, from early vaudeville acts to the latest viral memes. Visitors will leave the museum with a profound appreciation for comedy icons and innovators, as well as the tremendous influence of humor on how we think, live and laugh. Learn more about our interactive exhibits here.
Directions
Buffalo, Rochester, Or Syracuse, NY
Follow Interstate 90 west, toward Erie, PA. Exit at Exit 59, Dunkirk-Fredonia, NY and follow Route 60 south to Jamestown.
Erie, PA or Cleveland, OH
Driving from points west, follow Interstate 90 east to I-86, just a few miles past Erie, PA. Follow I-86 east to Jamestown, Exit 12.
Binghamton or Elmira, NY
Follow I-86 west to Exit 12. Follow Route 60 south (a left at the exit).
Pittsburgh, PA
Interstate 79 north from the Pittsburgh area meets Interstate 90 at Erie, PA. Follow I-90 east to I-86, just a few miles past Erie, PA. Follow I-86 to Jamestown, Exit 12. Follow Route 60 south to Jamestown (to the right off the interstate).
Parking
There are several parking options within a short walk to the National Comedy Center. The National Comedy Center has a FREE parking lot for guests located at 45 W. 2nd St.
Parking Garages are located around Jamestown, $1.00/hr or $5.00/day.
On street parking is metered M-F, 9am-5pm, $0.50/hr. Meters accept nickels, dimes, and quarters. There is a free parking zone within the business district that is limited to 2 hours.
All parking is free on weekends.
To get the most out of your National Comedy Center experience,
plan for a 2 1/2-hour to 3-hour stay.
Additional Parking Options
On-street metered parking is located right next to the National Comedy Center along Lafayette St. and W 2nd St. Additional, recommended parking garages and lots are located here:
Accommodations
There are a number of outstanding hotels near the National Comedy Center, including the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel and the Doubletree by Hilton Jamestown, both of which feature National Comedy Center Vacation Packages. Learn more here.
With bed and breakfasts, inns, resorts, vacation home rentals, cottages, campgrounds and hotels, visitors to Jamestown and Chautauqua County can stay for a night or book an extended vacation. The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau can help you find the right place. Call 866-908-4569 or visit tourchautauqua.com
Area Attractions
Chautauqua County
Chautauqua Lake, the Lake Erie Grape Region and Greater Jamestown, NY offer plenty of reasons to bring family and meet friends in Chautauqua County year-round. Experience Chautauqua Institution, Peek’n Peak Resort and Lake Erie Wine Country. With five amazing lakes and numerous waterways, no part of the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region is more than 20 minutes from open water. An abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities from hiking, camping, fishing and skiing exist. Sit down to a farm to table feast, enjoy the performing arts and tour historical attractions. Find annual festivals, sporting events, and affordable family fun on the Chautauqua County Event Calendar. Plan your adventure today.
The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
The legacy of Lucille Ball has been proudly honored right here in Lucy’s hometown of Jamestown by the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum since 1996. For decades, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz played a vital role in television and on the big screen, and we’re fortunate to have the privilege of preserving their memory and the impact they’ve both had on the world through all of the fun costumes and memorabilia on display, awards they were both given, photographs of both their personal and TV lives, and much more! We’re constantly swapping out exhibits for new ones, so even if you’ve visited our museum before, it’s always a new experience like the first time you visited!
Jamestown, NY
As Chautauqua County’s year-round hub for culture and commerce, Jamestown offers a unique mixture of rural relaxation and urban flair. Here, laughter, knowledge and nature are equally revered, producing an environment where people and businesses can create and flourish.
Visit
203 West Second Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone
(716) 484-2222
Hours
Daily 10 am – 5 pm;
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
(open on Tuesdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day only)