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Jamestown Today
By the People, for the People
National Comedy Center Named #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the Country by USA Today
The museum was voted the nation's top pop culture museum by USA Today readers.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The National Comedy Center, the United States' museum and national archive dedicated to the art form of comedy, was named the #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the country by USA Today as part of the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The National Comedy Center was one of 20 institutions nationwide nominated as the best in the U.S. in the pop culture category by a panel of nationally recognized travel and lifestyle experts.
Why it matters
The National Comedy Center's recognition as the top pop culture museum in the country highlights its role in preserving and celebrating the history and impact of comedy as an art form. As a cultural institution dedicated to the comedic arts, the National Comedy Center aims to educate visitors on comedy's significant artistic, social, and political contributions to American culture.
The details
The National Comedy Center was ultimately named the nation's #1 Best Pop Culture Museum by popular vote following a four-week national online voting period. The museum has previously received top honors from USA Today, including being voted the nation's #1 'Best New Museum' in 2020 and the #2 'Best New Attraction' in 2019. The National Comedy Center also won two Gold Anthem Awards this past fall for excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement.
- The National Comedy Center was named the #1 Best Pop Culture Museum in the country by USA Today on February 18, 2026.
- The museum was nominated as one of the 20 best pop culture museums in the U.S. in early 2026.
- The four-week national online voting period to determine the #1 Best Pop Culture Museum took place from January 12 through February 9, 2026.
The players
National Comedy Center
The United States' cultural institution, museum and national archive dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations.
Journey Gunderson
Executive Director of the National Comedy Center.
Gary Hahn
Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the National Comedy Center.
What they’re saying
“This national recognition from USA Today is a powerful acknowledgment of the extraordinary artists who have shaped comedy — the great minds, singular voices, and time-honed creative processes that have elevated this art form throughout its history.”
— Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the National Comedy Center
“Comedy sits at the heart of American pop culture, and at the National Comedy Center, visitors can experience it in a deeply personal and engaging way.”
— Gary Hahn, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the National Comedy Center
The takeaway
The National Comedy Center's recognition as the top pop culture museum in the country solidifies its role as a premier cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of comedy. The museum's interactive exhibits and educational initiatives aim to connect visitors to the rich history and enduring impact of comedy on American culture.
