The Center is a big step forward for little Jamestown and an impressive effort. The exhibits are all interactive and link you to a central computer which helps select your choices and interests among the hundreds of comedians featured. Because of COVID, occupancy is limited to 25% of design capacity. I can’t imagine being there on a 100% capacity day.
We were signed in, temperature taken, stylus issued, photo taken and interests logged into the main frame computer. Access to each exhibit was limited to a single family and even at 25% capacity, we had some waiting. The Center recommends you take three hours for your visit, We took two but I could imagine a true comedy buff taking the entire day.
There is no particular route through the museum, so you can find yourself wandering. Most exhibits run continuously and I found it difficult to know when the program for that space ended or if it was being transitioned to a new segment.
Staff on entry were very helpful and friendly, but I didn’t find any staff within the exhibit spaces. There is a gift shop at the end of the route, but we were surprised that there was no coffee shop or cafe. After even two hours, we were ready to sit and have a cup of coffee.
Finally, Jamestown is Lucille Ball’s home town, but there was barely mention of Lucy in the Comedy Center. The reason may be because there is a Lucy Museum one street over from the Comedy Center. I understand that both museums are the brainchild of the same person and that for an additional fee you can buy a master ticket to both museums. The dual admission is not much more than a single, but it was not at all clear that Lucy and Desi would have no presence in the Comedy Center.
I fully expect that as COVID is controlled and the Center gains experience, things will feel like they are running smoothly. But, if you are a comedy fan, don’t wait. Go now!