National Comedy Center

The United States' official cultural institution and museum dedicated to the celebration of the art of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Bert Kreischer, Seth Meyers & Jerry Seinfeld in Jamestown, NY!
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival: August 6–9, 2026
Four days, 50+ events including, stand-up showcases, late night comedy, free block parties, live music, and Lucy tribute events, and the biggest names in comedy!
Get Tickets: https://t.co/tqWk0bd1zV

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Statement from the National Comedy Center on the passing of James Burrows:

"Few individuals have had a greater impact on television comedy than James Burrows. Through a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he helped shape the sound, rhythm, and language of modern television comedy, elevating the sitcom as an art form and influencing generations of writers, performers, directors, and storytellers. His work helped define television's most beloved comedies, and his legacy is woven into the history of comedy itself." – National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson
https://t.co/judFL0H0fo

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

National Comedy Center statement on the passing of comedian Tom Dreesen:
"Tom Dreesen's career embodied the power of comedy to connect people and transcend barriers. From helping break racial barriers through a groundbreaking comedy partnership to becoming one of stand-up comedy's most respected performers and advocates, he earned the admiration of audiences and fellow comedians alike." – National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Today, we remember the legendary Joan Rivers on her birthday and celebrate an extraordinary career that forever changed the world of comedy.

We're proud to preserve Joan's remarkable joke file at the National Comedy Center – a collection of nearly 70,000 jokes that reflects her precise craftsmanship, sharp wit, and tireless dedication to refining her material over seven decades.
#JoanRivers

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

On this day in 1966, the final episode of “The Dick Van Dyke Show” aired on CBS, bringing to a close one of television’s most beloved and influential sitcoms after six seasons and fifteen Emmy Awards.

On the anniversary of the series finale, hear Dick Van Dyke reflect on the show, its enduring legacy, and his creative partnership with Carl Reiner. Their groundbreaking collaboration helped shape the future of television comedy and continues to inspire generations of performers and writers.

#DickVanDyke #DickVanDykeShow #CarlReiner

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Join us for our award-winning Memory Café at the National Comedy Center on Monday, June 1, 2026. In recognition of National Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we invite individuals living with memory loss and their caregivers to enjoy a welcoming morning filled with connection, joy, and unforgettable comedy moments.
Held on the first Monday of every month — and always free!
Next Event: Monday, June 1
10 AM – Museum exploration
11 AM – Social time + interactive program
Register now — space is limited: https://t.co/XPMHrcZPNj

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Remembering Kitty Bruce, daughter of Lenny Bruce and a National Comedy Center advisory board member:

“Kitty Bruce stewarded Lenny Bruce’s legacy like an incisive champion. We were lucky to have her as a beacon of light translating her father’s story for us in the most vivid and authentic way, so that we can share it with future generations. She carried that legacy forward through tremendous compassion for those who struggled, giving whatever she could to help those battling substance abuse. Not an ounce of anything Kitty did was self-serving; her compass was integrity – at times over prosperity or practicality – just like her father. She will be dearly missed.” — Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, National Comedy Center

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Tonight marks the end of a 33-year pillar in television comedy. Congratulations to Stephen Colbert and the @colbertlateshow team for shaping this chapter of a comedy institution — bringing humor, insight, and shared cultural conversation to millions, and leaving an enduring mark on the genre.

As audiences become increasingly siloed across platforms, late-night television has remained one of the few shared spaces where humor, disagreement, and connection could coexist in our democracy. This vital part of comedy’s heritage — and the impact of “The Late Show” on comedy and our culture — will be preserved at the National Comedy Center for generations to come.

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

“I’m honored that my contributions will be preserved for future generations at the National Comedy Center—especially because it’s a place that was meaningful to my best friend Carl Reiner, who believed in the importance of preserving comedy’s history. I know he’d be happy that our work will be around for the next 2000 years, or maybe even more.” – @MelBrooks

The National Comedy Center is proud to be the home of the Mel Brooks archive.

https://t.co/KlMLsqbdn3

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

On this day one hundred years ago, the one and only Don Rickles was born. Across a career that spanned decades, Rickles made a specialty of ribbing his audiences, punching up at those in power and joining the dais for countless celebrity roasts. His ability to make audiences laugh while being the target of the joke earned him the nickname “Mr. Warmth.”
The National Comedy Center is the home of Rickles’ career archive and celebrates his lasting contributions to the art form within its interactive museum experience in Jamestown, NY.
#DonRickles #NationalComedyCenter

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Bert Kreischer, Seth Meyers & Jerry Seinfeld in Jamestown, NY!

Lucille Ball Comedy Festival: August 6-9, 2026

🎟️ Member Pre-Sale is happening now!
🎟️ Public On-Sale begins Fri. May 1 at noon ET.

Four Days, 50+ Events. Stand-Up Showcases, Block Parties, Live Music, and the biggest names in comedy.

https://t.co/tqWk0bdzpt

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Bert Kreischer, Seth Meyers & Jerry Seinfeld in Jamestown, NY!

Lucille Ball Comedy Festival: August 6-9, 2026

Member Pre-Sale begins April 27
Public On-Sale May 1

Four Days, 50+ Events. Stand-Up Showcases, Block Parties, Live Music, and the biggest names in comedy.
https://t.co/tqWk0bdzpt

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Just Announced: Jerry Seinfeld, Bert Kreischer, Seth Meyers & more to perform during the National Comedy Center's Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown, NY this August.

National Comedy Center Member pre-sale starts April 27 with public on-sale May 1.

More info at https://t.co/tqWk0bd1zV

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Today, on his birthday, we remember the legendary Carl Reiner whose influence continues to shape generations of artists.

The National Comedy Center’s Department of Archives and Preservation is named in his honor, and our Carl Reiner exhibit brings his remarkable career to life—from his early work on "Your Show of Shows" and the creation of "The Dick Van Dyke Show," to his films with Steve Martin and the iconic "2000 Year Old Man" with his best friend, Mel Brooks.

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Today we remember the “Mother of Sexual Liberation,” Rusty Warren, on what would be her birthday. Warren fearlessly brought frank humor to the spotlight and, even though she was banned from radio or TV performance in the mid-20th century, her comedy albums sold millions of copies as "illicit" contraband—speaking to a generation of women. Warren's work opened doors for future performers and challenged social taboos—a legacy that still echoes in comedy today. Visit the National Comedy Center's "Blue Room" to learn more about Rusty Warren's career, see rare artifacts, and explore how she and other boundary-breaking comedians have shaped our world.

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

We love celebrating fun holidays 😄 Happy National Let’s Laugh Day!

Have you planned your laugh-filled visit to the National Comedy Center yet?

Laughter lives here.

https://t.co/nQAYjq6ysE

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

On this day in 1973, “Laugh-In” aired its final episode after six groundbreaking seasons. Created by George Schlatter, the show’s rapid-fire sketches, bold satire, and iconic catchphrases—like “Sock it to me!”—helped reshape television comedy. You can explore the show’s lasting influence at the National Comedy Center, which features an exclusive theatrical presentation featuring Schlatter and members of the original “Laugh-In” cast.

#LaughIn #NationalComedyCenter #SockItToMe

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

The National Comedy Center remembers Rob Reiner on his birthday.

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

Just as the National Comedy Center was named the “Best Pop Culture Museum” in the nation by USA Today, Senators @SenSchumer and @SenGillibrand secured funding crucial to the infrastructure of the museum, which was built within the adaptive reuse of two existing historic structures. Now, the former train station and trolley garage of Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown, NY annually draw more than $13 million into the regional economy, and serve as home to comedy’s national archive, preserving the art form’s heritage. The $500,000 in funds toward capital improvements helps keep this draw going for WNY.

[National Comedy Center @NtlComedyCenter]

🏆 The National Comedy Center has been named the #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the country by USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Chosen among 20 museums nationwide and decided by a national online vote, this recognition from USA Today is a powerful acknowledgment of the extraordinary artists who have shaped comedy — the great minds, singular voices, and time-honed creative processes that define the art form.

We’re proud that comedy is #1.

See the final ranking here:
https://t.co/5dlT9IPCwg