Stand-up comedy is one of America's most vital art forms — raw, democratic, and deeply human. It deserves a permanent home.
— The National Museum of Stand-up Comedy
Our Vision
The National Museum of Stand-up Comedy will be a year-round destination celebrating comedy as a serious art form and a mirror of American culture. Located in the heart of the West Loop, the museum will feature rotating and permanent exhibitions, a 150-person live room, public programming, school partnerships, podcast studios, and community events for Chicagoans of all ages.
Explore Future Exhibitions →Development Updates
We are in active development and moving with purpose. This page will be updated as milestones are reached.
Read All Updates →175 W Washington Street acquired in the heart of the West Loop.
CompleteGrant and fundraising consultant engaged; strategy in active development.
CompleteActive conversations with Wintrust and Chicago DPD on financing and rezoning.
In ProgressPublic fundraising with founding donor program.
UpcomingTargeting a Summer 2028 opening in Chicago's West Loop.
2026The Collection
A preview of the permanent and rotating exhibitions planned for opening day.
Tracing stand-up from vaudeville and the Borscht Belt through the comedy clubs of the 1970s and 80s that changed everything.
Permanent CollectionHow comedians from Pryor to Chappelle to Gadsby used the stage to challenge, comfort, and transform American public life.
Permanent CollectionCelebrating the city's legendary comedy lineage — from Second City to the clubs that launched careers heard around the world.
Featured ExhibitionAn interactive deep-dive into joke structure, timing, and stage presence — demystifying what makes a great set.
InteractiveHonoring the trailblazing women who broke barriers in a historically male-dominated art form.
Permanent CollectionStand-up as a worldwide phenomenon — exploring the form's reach and evolution across cultures and continents.
Rotating ExhibitionSupport the Museum
Every contribution brings us closer to opening day. The National Museum of Stand-up Comedy is a nonprofit institution — all donations are tax-deductible. To discuss partnerships or major gifts, please contact us directly.
[email protected]Membership
Founding members will shape this museum before a single exhibit opens. Secure your place in the history of this institution.
$125 per year · Cancel anytime
Latest News
March 2026
175 W Washington Street — a landmark address in one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods — is now the museum's permanent home.
Read More →February 2026
Specialist fundraising consultants engaged to develop a comprehensive grant strategy ahead of our capital campaign launch.
Read More →January 2026
Charter members receive permanent recognition in the museum and exclusive pre-opening benefits starting immediately.
Read More →Stay informed — sign up for museum updates.
Our Home
175 W Washington Street — transit-oriented, walkable, and central — in one of Chicago's most dynamic neighborhoods, drawing from the city's 57 million annual visitors.
The Building
175 W Washington was built in 1933 as the headquarters of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Architect Nelson Max Dunning clad its limestone facade with cast metal panels depicting musicians and their instruments — carved in stone before the first meeting was ever held inside.
For over 70 years it housed the people who played to rooms for a living. It is a contributing property to the West Loop–LaSalle Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Museum of Stand-up Comedy acquired it in 2026. A building built for the musicians of one era now becomes a home for the performers of another.
Built for the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Architect: Nelson Max Dunning.
Third floor added by architect B. Lund.
The Federation relocates. The building falls vacant.
Designated a contributing property to the West Loop–LaSalle Street Historic District, National Register of Historic Places.
Acquired by the National Museum of Stand-up Comedy.