On Thursday, August 4th, Hollywood Museum celebrated the grand opening of the exhibit that showcases the anniversary of Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday and the 60th anniversary of TV’s most loved comedy series, “I Love Lucy”, which Lucille Ball starred alongside her husband Desi Arnaz.
The exhibit features clothing, magazines, scripts, photographs, and accessories worn by Lucille Ball.
Owner of Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, and special guests celebrated with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they wandered through the new “Lucille Ball at 100 & ‘I Love Lucy’ at 60” exhibit which holds favorite memorabilia of the series, classic milestones in the couple’s careers, and remnants of romance from the two lovebirds who pioneered the Hollywood scene.
The "Redheads Only Room" is still preserved today in honor of Lucille Ball.
The Hollywood Museum, which is in the Historic Max Factor Building, is the perfect location for the exhibit because it was actually the very first place where Lucille Ball went red! Lucille Ball was a Max Factor model used in ads and promotions for many years and the he “Redheads Only Room” is still preserved in her honor today. In fact, she still holds the record for the longest-running cosmetic contract to date.
Guests enjoyed the episodes of “I Love Lucy” playing on the flat screens surrounding the room, themed “I Love Lucy” decorated cakes provided by Hollywood Cakes, and a heartfelt speech by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz.
Lucie Arnaz spoke about her mother’s passion for the entertainment industry, but most importantly her commitment to her family. Lucille Ball began her journey in Hollywood because she wanted to be closer to Desi as he played with his band. Lucille was motivated to make it work, and changed the dynamic in Hollywood to begin what we recognize as video syndication.
As a pioneer of Hollywood production, Lucille Ball brought her husband on-air with her, and lived out her real-life pregnancies on screen, which was the first time any actress had ever attempted to combine family with a Hollywood television series. Little did she know she would pave the way for America’s new obsession and favorite pastime- reality TV!
The "I Love Lucy" exhibit window holds memorabilia from the show's greatest moments.
The “Lucille Ball at 100 & ‘I Love Lucy’ at 60”, presented in partnership with CBS DVD and Paramount Home Video, which just released a new DVD set “The Best of ‘I Love Lucy'” featuring 14 classic episodes that have been digitally restored, will be on display from August 3rd to November 30th. Tickets for the Hollywood Museum are only $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and $5 for kids, which includes access to all four decked-out Hollywood floors, as well as the exhibit. To read more about the story behind the Lucille Ball exhibit and the Hollywood Museum, visit www.thehollywoodmuseum.com.
The Hollywood Museum
1660 N. Highland Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 464-7776
