The National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, has been recognized as the #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the United States by USA Today’s 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, results announced today.
The Jamestown museum, dedicated to the preservation and celebration of comedy’s history and art forms, surpassed 19 other nominees, including the Charles M. Schulz Museum and the World of Illusions, to claim the top spot. The award follows a nationwide vote and evaluation by a panel of travel experts, according to reports.
Located in the hometown of Lucille Ball, the National Comedy Center offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the story of comedy. The museum’s exhibits and interactive displays cover a wide range of comedic styles and performers. Museum hours are currently Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 5 PM, with the museum closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, though it will be open Tuesdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The recognition from USA Today builds on previous accolades for the center. It was recently named #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the country, a distinction highlighted on the museum’s website. New exhibits include a display dedicated to the joke file of Joan Rivers, and the museum recently acquired the archive of Stilller & Meara, donated by Ben Stiller. Nate Bargatze has also joined the National Comedy Center’s advisory board.
The National Comedy Center also offers dual admission tickets, providing access to both the National Comedy Center and the Lucy Desi Museum at a combined price. The museum is currently hosting a “One Laugh at a Time: A National Comedy Center Memory Café” scheduled for August 2026.
