The Harry Ransom Center, on the University of Texas at Austin campus, will debut the “Live from New York! The Making of Lorne Michaels” exhibition on Sept. 20, offering an in-depth exploration of the groundbreaking career of the creator and producer behind “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Spanning nearly 50 years, the Lorne Michaels Collection highlights Michaels’ enduring influence on comedy and American pop culture.
The exhibition will feature rare archival materials, including annotated scripts, behind-the-scenes photos, and sketches from “SNL,” alongside artifacts from other iconic projects such as “The Kids in the Hall,” “Wayne’s World,” “The Three Amigos” and more. Through these materials, visitors will gain insight into Michaels’ creative process and his ability to blend humor with cultural commentary, often leading the conversation on politics, identity and societal trends.
A tribute to Lorne Michaels’ legacy
Opening to the public through March 15, 2026, the exhibition will delve into key moments from Michaels’ career, from his early writing on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” to his pivotal role in shaping “SNL.” It will explore how the show became a cultural touchstone, reflecting and shaping societal discourse through groundbreaking sketches and performances. The Ransom Center’s deep dive into Michaels’ career underscores the vital role of comedy in shaping entertainment history and its ongoing influence on how culture is perceived and created.
Guest curated by Steve Wilson, the exhibition celebrates a career that has defined modern comedy and elevated countless comedians and writers. From behind-the-scenes innovation to on-screen brilliance, the exhibit is a must-see for fans of comedy, television and cultural history.
The exhibition is part of a year-long celebration of the Harry Ransom Center’s recent acquisition of the Lorne Michaels Collection. For more details on the exhibition and related programming, visit the Harry Ransom Center’s website.
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