Current Exhibits
THE EVOLUTION OF LATE NIGHT TELEVISION
Explore the fascinating history of late-night television in the Museum of Broadcast Communications’ critically acclaimed exhibition, The Evolution of Late Night Television.
From the pioneering days of Faye Emerson, Steve Allen and Jack Paar to the legendary reign of Johnny Carson and the groundbreaking contributions of David Letterman, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, Arsenio Hall, Joan Rivers, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Stephen Colbert, discover how late-night television has entertained, influenced, and reflected American culture for more than seven decades.
Featuring authentic television sets, rare artifacts, iconic memorabilia, historic footage, and interactive experiences, this extraordinary exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of the programs and personalities that transformed the medium.
Highlights include the Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show travel desk and set, the original desk and set from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and more.
JOHNNY CARSON: THE CENTENNIAL
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Johnny Carson, the legendary King of Late Night, in a special exhibition honoring the life, career, and enduring legacy of one of television’s most influential entertainers.
For 30 years, Carson welcomed America into The Tonight Show, shaping popular culture, launching countless careers, and redefining late-night television. Step onto a recreation of his iconic Tonight Show set, sit behind the famous desk, and capture unforgettable photos in front of those instantly recognizable curtains.
Explore rare artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes stories that celebrate Carson’s extraordinary wit, charm, and influence on generations of comedians and broadcasters.
Presented in collaboration with the Johnny Carson Gallery at the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Carson Entertainment Group, Johnny Carson: The Centennial is a centerpiece of the Museum of Broadcast Communications’ acclaimed Evolution of Late Night Television exhibition.
LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT EXPERIENCE
Step into the spotlight of late-night television history with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Experience, a spectacular addition to the Museum of Broadcast Communications’ critically acclaimed Evolution of Late Night Television exhibition.
Presented in partnership with CBS and Stephen Colbert, this immersive experience features the set from the legendary Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City, home to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2026.
Visitors can step onto the recreated stage, sit behind Colbert’s original desk, sit in the very same guest chair where Paul McCartney sat during the show's final episode, explore other authentic set pieces, and capture unforgettable photographs in one of television’s most recognizable settings.
FIVE DECADES OF THE LOOP: WHERE CHICAGO ROCKED
Turn up the volume and relive the legendary history of Chicago’s iconic rock station, 97.9 FM, and AM 1000 in Five Decades of The Loop: Where Chicago Rocked. For nearly 50 years, The Loop defined Chicago’s rock soundtrack with unforgettable personalities, outrageous on-air antics, groundbreaking promotions, and legendary concerts.
From Steve Dahl and Garry Meier to Jonathon Brandmeier and Kevin Matthews, The Loop became a cultural phenomenon that transformed Chicago radio. Featuring rare memorabilia, historic photographs, original artifacts, and behind-the-scenes stories, this exhibition celebrates the DJs, musicians, and larger-than-life personalities who made The Loop a Chicago institution.
Discover the station that broke the rules, pushed boundaries, and rocked generations of listeners.
I DREAM OF JEANNIE’s 60th ANNIVERSARY
Celebrate 60 years of television magic with I Dream of Jeannie: 60th Anniversary, a special exhibition honoring the beloved sitcom starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman.
Step inside Jeannie’s iconic bottle for an unforgettable photo opportunity, and see the original-style Jim Beam decanter that inspired one of television’s most recognizable props.
Discover fascinating fun facts, rare behind-the-scenes photographs, memorable moments, and stories about the cast and creation of this timeless comedy. From Jeannie’s famous blink to her mischievous adventures with Major Nelson, relive the charm, humor, and magic of a television classic that continues to delight generations of fans.
BOZO’S CIRCUS AT 65
Step right up and celebrate 65 years of laughter, memories, and Chicago television history with Bozo’s Circus at 65, a colorful exhibition honoring one of the most beloved children’s programs of all time.
Families once waited up to 10 years for tickets to WGN-TV’s legendary Big Top, where Bob Bell, Joey D’Auria, Ringmaster Ned, Cookie the Clown, Wizzo the Wizard, Professor Andy, and Cuddly Dudley entertained generations of viewers.
Explore original costumes, musical instruments, Bozo’s iconic drum, rare memorabilia, historic photographs, and a vintage WGN-TV studio camera.
Discover behind-the-scenes stories and step up to play the legendary Grand Prize Game, tossing ping-pong balls into the famous buckets! Relive the magic of a Chicago television institution that brought laughter and joy to millions of families across America.
THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF SVENGOOLIE’S CASKET & SET
Enter the wonderfully spooky world of Svengoolie at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, the final resting place of the legendary horror host’s original casket and television set! Celebrate the enduring legacy of Chicago’s beloved master of horror, Rich Koz, whose signature humor, rubber chickens, and classic monster movies have entertained generations of fans.
Get an up-close look at Svengoolie’s iconic coffin, original set pieces, Doug Graves’ organ, and other memorable artifacts from the long-running television phenomenon.
Discover behind-the-scenes stories, rare photographs, and the history of a Chicago television tradition that became a nationally celebrated cult favorite. From Berwyn to beyond, experience the frightful fun and unforgettable legacy of Svengoolie!
FAMILY CLASSICS & FRAZIER THOMAS
Relive the magic of Sunday afternoon television with Family Classics & Frazier Thomas, a nostalgic celebration of one of Chicago’s most beloved broadcasting traditions. For generations, legendary WGN-TV personality Frazier Thomas welcomed families into a world of timeless movies and unforgettable adventures.
Step onto the original Family Classics set and see the iconic chair used by hosts Frazier Thomas, Roy Leonard, Dean Richards, and Steve Sanders. Explore the original hand-painted books, model boat, and the treasured Garfield Goose portrait painted by legendary WGN-TV artist and puppeteer Roy Brown.
THE RADIO HALL OF FAME GALLERY
Celebrate the voices, personalities, and pioneers who shaped American radio in the Museum of Broadcast Communications’ Radio Hall of Fame Gallery. Honoring nearly 400 legendary inductees, this extraordinary exhibition brings the history of radio to life through interactive digital experiences featuring historic photographs, biographies, rare audio recordings, and unforgettable on-air moments.
Explore the careers of broadcasting’s most influential entertainers, newsmakers, sportscasters, and innovators, from radio’s golden age to today’s biggest personalities.
Discover a special historic exhibition celebrating legendary ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and his beloved character Charlie McCarthy, featuring rare artifacts and memorabilia from one of radio’s most celebrated comedy acts.