Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum | Buffalo

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, located in Jamestown, New York-the hometown of Lucille Ball-is a dedicated cultural institution celebrating the lives, careers, and enduring legacy of one of television’s most iconic couples: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Established in 1996, the museum serves as a tribute to their groundbreaking contributions to entertainment, especially their pioneering work on the legendary TV sitcom I Love Lucy.

Detailed Overview:

Historical and Cultural Significance

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz transformed the television industry in the 1950s by co-creating and starring in I Love Lucy, one of the most beloved and influential sitcoms ever produced. The museum honors their status as the "First Couple of Comedy," highlighting not only their on-screen chemistry but also their impact on television production techniques, including the introduction of the multi-camera setup filmed before a live audience.

Museum Location and Setting

Address: 2 West 3rd Street, Jamestown, NY 14701

Jamestown is Lucille Ball’s hometown, which makes the museum a fitting place to celebrate her legacy.

The museum is situated in a historic building designed to immerse visitors in the era and world of I Love Lucy.

Main Attractions and Exhibits

Re-creations of Iconic I Love Lucy Sets

The museum features meticulously reconstructed sets from I Love Lucy, including:

The Ricardos’ New York City apartment.

The Hollywood hotel suite from the later seasons of the show.

Visitors can walk through these spaces, experiencing firsthand the environments that became central to the sitcom’s charm and humor.

Personal Artifacts and Memorabilia

The collection includes hundreds of items from the personal and professional lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz:

Original costumes worn on the show.

Emmy Awards won by the couple.

Photographs capturing moments from their careers and personal life.

Handwritten letters, scripts, and production notes.

Props used during the filming of episodes.

These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the stars and a deeper appreciation of their work.

Interactive Experiences

The museum offers engaging activities that allow visitors to participate in the history of I Love Lucy:

Guests can film their own version of the famous Vitameatavegamin commercial, mimicking Lucille Ball’s classic scene.

Other interactive exhibits include multimedia presentations and audio-visual displays that narrate the story of the couple and the show’s production innovations.

Temporary and Special Exhibits

In addition to permanent displays, the museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions, screenings, and events that delve into different aspects of Lucille Ball’s and Desi Arnaz’s careers and legacy.

Visitor Information

Hours of Operation:

Open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission Fees:

Adult: $23.00

Senior (60+): $22.00

College Student: $20.00

Youth (13–17): $20.00

Child (6–12): $18.00

Children under 6: Free

Chautauqua County Residents: $14–$19 (discounted rates)

Active Military and Veterans: $18.00

Ticket Options:

Dual admission tickets are available, which include entry to the National Comedy Center nearby, offering a broader comedy and television history experience.

Parking:

Free parking is available at the National Comedy Center lot (45 W. 2nd St.) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additional street parking and nearby garages are available for convenience.

Why Visit?

The museum provides a rich, immersive experience for fans of classic television, comedy history enthusiasts, and those interested in television production and cultural history.

It preserves the legacy of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz as pioneers who reshaped entertainment and popular culture.

The museum’s interactive elements and authentic sets make it more than a static display-it invites visitors to step back in time and engage directly with the stories and spirit of I Love Lucy.

If you want to dive deep into the golden age of television comedy and explore the fascinating life stories behind one of TV’s most beloved shows, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown is a must-visit destination.