Seriously Funny was a perfect title for the Newseum’s exhibit exploring how Jon Stewart used his nightly show to make us laugh and make us think. The exhibit used personal materials to capture his personality, showcased the show’s broadcast set as a backdrop for featured interviews, and explored the network of connections he made as he developed his unique gift for purposeful entertainment. The duality of Jon Stewart’s persona—serious and funny—was introduced with a diptych-style entry panel that contrasted two signature images. Exhibits traced the evolution of his show with a range of memorabilia and show highlights. Just as the audience was part of the show, the conclusion invited the visitors to be part of the exhibit by participating in a lively discussion on a concluding message wall.
- Timeline: November 2018 – June 2019
- Size: 1,800 sq.ft.
- Exhibit fabrication: The Newseum
- Media production: The Newseum
PRD worked in close collaboration with the Newseum exhibit, curatorial, education, and production teams on a tight schedule and limited budget. The result was an exhibit that the public loved!
PRD modeled and mocked up different versions of an introductory wall that best advantaged the dual entrance to the gallery and showcased the two sides of Jon Stewart: serious and funny.