Fans of I Love Lucy are in for a historic treat. CBS Studios has unveiled a newly discovered collection of over 200 never-before-seen photographs from the set of the beloved sitcom, offering an unprecedented look at life behind the camera from 1951 to 1957.
A Candid Glimpse of TV History
The photos were discovered in a mislabeled box in a CBS storage facility during preparations for the show’s 75th anniversary celebration. Many of the images capture quiet, intimate moments between the cast and crew:
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Lucille Ball reading her script in curlers
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Desi Arnaz practicing bongos between takes
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Vivian Vance laughing off-camera with William Frawley, despite their often icy working relationship
“These images show the human side of television’s golden era,” said CBS archivist Monica Reyes. “Lucille Ball wasn’t just a performer — she was a leader, a boss, and an innovator.”
The photos also include alternate shots of famous scenes — like Lucy dressed as a clown, and a test version of the grape-stomping sequence — that reveal how much effort went into creating just a few minutes of comedy gold.
A Traveling Exhibit: “Lucy: Behind the Laughs”
A curated selection of the photographs, along with original costumes, scripts, and props, will be showcased in an upcoming traveling museum exhibit, debuting this November in Los Angeles. The exhibit will then tour New York, Chicago, London, and Sydney through 2026.
Fans will get to see:
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Lucy’s original polka-dot dress
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The chocolate conveyor belt used in the iconic factory episode
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Desi Arnaz’s personal notes and musical arrangements for the show
“It’s the closest we’ll ever get to being on the Desilu lot,” said fan club president Carla Medina.
