The Collection
A preview of the permanent and rotating exhibitions planned for opening day — Summer 2028.
Permanent & Rotating
Tracing stand-up from vaudeville and the Borscht Belt through the comedy clubs of the 1970s and 80s that changed everything. Primary artifacts, archival footage, and immersive listening booths.
Permanent CollectionHow comedians from Pryor to Chappelle to Gadsby used the stage to challenge, comfort, and transform American public life. Curated interviews and archival materials.
Permanent CollectionCelebrating the city's legendary comedy lineage — from Second City to the clubs that launched careers heard around the world. A love letter to Chicago comedy.
Featured ExhibitionAn interactive deep-dive into joke structure, timing, and stage presence — demystifying what makes a great set. Write your own material, try the stage.
InteractiveHonoring the trailblazing women who broke barriers in a historically male-dominated art form. From Phyllis Diller to Taylor Tomlinson.
Permanent CollectionStand-up as a worldwide phenomenon — exploring the form's reach and evolution across cultures and continents. Curated by comedy scholars.
Rotating ExhibitionA 150-seat working comedy venue inside the museum. Working comedians perform sets, conduct Q&As, and record for our podcast residency program.
Venue · Live EventsBroadcast-grade comedy podcast studios available for residency bookings. The biggest shows in the format record here as part of our cultural programming.
Production · ResidencySchool partnerships, workshops, and year-round programming connecting students of all ages with the art, craft, and business of comedy.
Programming · Education