Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
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Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

4.7
·2k reviews·Jamestown, United States

Step into the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, exploring their personal lives, groundbreaking careers, and the magic of 'I Love Lucy.'

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Beat the weekend rush

CrowdMedium
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Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Beat the weekend rush

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the world of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, exploring their personal lives, groundbreaking careers, and the magic of 'I Love Lucy.'

4.7
(2k reviews)

"If you are a Lucy & Desi fan, the amount of history here is incredible."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Pass is Key

Save money by buying a combo ticket with the National Comedy Center online!

⏰ Book Time Slot Online

Secure your entry time in advance, especially for weekend visits.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

I Love Lucy Set Recreations

I Love Lucy Set Recreations

Second building

Step onto the iconic living room and kitchen sets from 'I Love Lucy.' A true fan's dream!

Desilu Productions History

Desilu Productions History

Second building

Discover the innovations and impact of Desilu Productions, a true television powerhouse.

Personal Histories of Lucy & Desi

Personal Histories of Lucy & Desi

First building

Learn about their fascinating family backgrounds, early careers, and how they met.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Combo Tickets for Savings

Consider purchasing a combo pass that includes admission to the National Comedy Center. This often saves money and allows you to explore both attractions over two days, maximizing your Jamestown experience. Book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

Embrace Your Inner Fan

This museum is a must-visit for any fan of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Dive deep into their personal histories, the groundbreaking Desilu Productions, and iconic 'I Love Lucy' moments. Allow at least 2.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Has anyone been to the Lucy Museum in Jamestown New York? Planning on taking my kids for a trip, as they are huge I love Lucy fans!

🎟️ Combo Pass is Key

Save money by buying a combo ticket with the National Comedy Center online! Reddit

⏰ Book Time Slot Online

Secure your entry time in advance, especially for weekend visits. Reddit

reddit.com

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

reddit.com

Thinking of attending the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival in Jamestown this year

🚶‍♀️ Two Buildings, One Story

The museum spans two buildings; they're close, just step outside to walk between. Reddit

📸 Photo Op Available

Pose on a recreated set for a special photo, for an additional fee. Reddit

reddit.com

Visited Jamestown today and saw the Lucy-Desi museum, her statue and gravesite!

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Pass is Key

Save money by buying a combo ticket with the National Comedy Center online! Reddit

⏰ Book Time Slot Online

Secure your entry time in advance, especially for weekend visits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Two Buildings, One Story

The museum spans two buildings; they're close, just step outside to walk between. Reddit

📸 Photo Op Available

Pose on a recreated set for a special photo, for an additional fee. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 2.5 hours to explore all the exhibits thoroughly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum for its deep dive into the lives and careers of the iconic duo, offering incredible historical detail and beloved 'I Love Lucy' memorabilia. Many appreciate the well-organized exhibits across two buildings and the opportunity to connect with the stars' personal stories. Some wish for more interactive elements, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive for fans.

"I took a road trip here specifically because it was a bucket-list destination for my mom, and it turned out to be a fantastic stop. If you are a Lucy & Desi fan, the amount of history here is incredible. I walked away with so many new facts—from their vaudeville roots and the history of their massive movie studio (including the Star Trek connection!) to Desi’s fascinating upbringing in Cuba as the son of a Mayor/Congressman and grandson of a founder of Bacardi Rum. Take a map if you want to extend your visit to see her childhood home, statue on the waterfront park (on adjacent Celeron) childhood home & final resting place (surrounded by family).

​Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance and get the combo pass with the National Comedy Center. It saves you money and gives you two days to explore both museums."

M. Klein

"We visited the museum on a Saturday in September. We bought tickets online the night before. You can buy a combo pass for this and the comedy center. We did that and I think it was $43/person for both. I had to select a time online and we arrived before that and did not have to wait.

The museum is well done. There is a lot to see and a lot of information about Lucy’s childhood and history, Desi’s childhood and history and their relationship and achievements as a couple. We learned a lot.

There is a photo opportunity inside at one of the sets. That was $10 and there is a photographer there to take the photo for you. We don’t do that but saw others doing it. The tour is in two separate buildings but they are close together. Once you go through the one, you just go out on the sidewalk and walk a few steps to the next building. There were no stairs involved.

The staff member at check in was friendly. I think we spent about 2 hours here. There is a gift shop in both buildings.

We had an enjoyable time."

Miss Val

"Great experience if you have the chance to go. It brought back my childhood. There was so much history there. You were able to tough items that other famous actors have touched, like the Studio A door that many famouse actors have passed through and there is a sign that tells you who the actors were."

jeffrey levesque

What People Like

Incredible history and detail
Iconic set recreations
Fan-centric exhibits

What People Dislike

Could be more interactive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is located in Jamestown, NY. From Niagara Falls, it's a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can take I-190 S to I-90 E, then follow signs for Jamestown. Consider checking local transit options if you prefer not to drive, though a car offers the most flexibility for day trips. Reddit

Yes, there is typically street parking available in Jamestown, and often parking lots nearby. It's advisable to check for any specific parking restrictions or fees in the area on the day of your visit.

Absolutely! Many visitors, especially those coming from nearby cities or even the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, make it a fulfilling day trip. Reddit

While the museum is the main draw, you can also visit Lucille Ball's childhood home, statue, and final resting place. Walking is feasible for some sites, but a car or rideshare service might be more convenient for covering more ground. Reddit

Jamestown has a local bus system, but it may not be extensive enough to easily reach all Lucy-related landmarks. For a comprehensive visit, driving or using rideshare services is recommended.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but a common recommendation is to purchase a combo pass with the National Comedy Center, which offers savings. Expect to pay around $43 per person for both attractions. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

It's highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend or during peak season. This also allows you to select a specific entry time. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.

Yes, a popular option is the combo pass that includes admission to both the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center. This is often the most cost-effective way to experience both. Reddit

Refund policies can differ. It's best to review the terms and conditions when purchasing your tickets online or contact the museum directly for specific information regarding cancellations or rescheduling.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 2.5 to 3 hours is sufficient to explore both buildings and all the exhibits thoroughly. Reddit

While the museum focuses on history and artifacts, there is a photo opportunity where you can pose on a recreated 'I Love Lucy' set for an additional fee. Reddit

The museum is spread across two buildings, but reviews indicate there are no stairs involved, making it accessible for those with mobility concerns. Reddit

You'll find a wealth of items including costumes, props, personal memorabilia, and historical information detailing Lucy and Desi's lives and careers, including their groundbreaking work with Desilu Productions. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop located in both buildings, offering a variety of souvenirs and memorabilia for fans. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography may be restricted to protect the artifacts. Always check for posted signage or ask staff if unsure.

Yes, there's a popular photo opportunity where you can pose on a recreation of an 'I Love Lucy' set. This usually comes with an additional fee and a photographer. Reddit

The recreated sets, particularly the living room and kitchen from 'I Love Lucy,' are prime spots. Also, look for displays featuring iconic costumes and memorabilia for memorable shots.

While personal photos are usually permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways. For commercial use or professional shoots, you'll likely need to obtain special permission.

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, as some exhibit areas might be dimly lit to preserve artifacts. A versatile lens that can handle both close-ups of details and wider shots of displays would be ideal.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the museum is rich in history, younger children might find the extensive historical details less engaging. However, the recreated 'I Love Lucy' sets offer a fun, visual element that can capture their attention. The photo opportunity on these sets is a highlight for all ages. Reddit

Consider pairing the museum visit with the National Comedy Center, which often has more interactive and humorous exhibits that might appeal more directly to children. Ensure your visit is timed to avoid nap schedules and potential meltdowns, and focus on the most visually stimulating parts of the museum.

💰 Budget Travelers

The best way to save money is by purchasing the combo pass that includes the National Comedy Center. This offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets. Reddit Look for any potential discounts or special offers available on their official website. Packing your own snacks and drinks can also help reduce on-site spending, though there are gift shops available. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Nostalgia Seekers

This museum is a perfect destination for couples who share a love for classic television and Hollywood history. Relive cherished memories of 'I Love Lucy' together and discover fascinating details about the real lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Reddit The historical context and behind-the-scenes information about their careers and relationship can spark wonderful conversations. Consider visiting during a quieter time, like a weekday afternoon, for a more intimate experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Desilu Productions

Beyond 'I Love Lucy,' Desilu Productions was a television trailblazer. Founded by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, it was one of the first major television production companies owned by a Hollywood couple. They pioneered innovative filming techniques, including the use of multiple cameras and filming before a live studio audience, which became standard practice. This allowed for reruns and syndication, fundamentally changing the television industry and creating a lasting revenue stream for shows. Reddit

Desilu's impact extended to other iconic shows like 'Star Trek,' 'The Untouchables,' and 'Mission: Impossible.' The museum delves into the business acumen of Lucy and Desi, showcasing how they navigated the complexities of Hollywood and built an empire that paved the way for future producers and studios. Understanding Desilu is key to appreciating the full scope of their influence on entertainment. Reddit

Beyond the Museum: A Lucy Pilgrimage

For the ultimate fan, the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum is just the beginning. Visitors often extend their trip to explore other significant locations in Jamestown related to Lucy's life. This includes her childhood home, the statue on the waterfront park, and her final resting place in Lake View Cemetery, where she is buried with other family members. Reddit

These sites offer a more personal connection to the beloved comedian, allowing you to trace her journey from her early years in Jamestown to her global stardom. Combining a museum visit with these landmarks provides a comprehensive understanding of Lucille Ball's roots and enduring legacy in her hometown. Reddit

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