Beginning this fall, the Harry Ransom Center at The University of Texas at Austin invites visitors to explore the creative legacy of one of television's most influential producers. "Live from New York: The Lorne Michaels Collection" opens Sept. 20, offering an unprecedented look behind the scenes of the early career of Lorne Michaels, his groundbreaking work on "Saturday Night Live," and his wide array of iconic film and television productions.
"UT is a destination for the arts," said UT Interim President Jim Davis. "We couldn't be more excited that Lorne Michaels chose the Forty Acres as the home to his iconic work that so many of us watched growing up and that singlehandedly shaped American pop culture. We are equally excited that his collection expands research opportunities for our students. We can't wait for his exhibit to open and to welcome many more visitors to our campus to see it."
Featuring materials from the Lorne Michaels Collection, a landmark donation to the Ransom Center that was announced in January 2025, the exhibition spans more than five decades of comedy, satire and cultural commentary. Visitors will encounter annotated scripts, production notes and rare photographs, as well as props and costumes on loan from NBC Universal, Paramount Pictures and others.
"Visitors to this exhibition will rediscover memorable moments that have shaped television and film history over the past 50-plus years," said Stephen Enniss, director of the Harry Ransom Center. "The Lorne Michaels Collection will be an enduring resource for understanding the creative alchemy he mastered, while also illuminating the broader cultural currents that have defined his, and our, life and times."
Highlights include:
- Michaels' early outline for "Saturday Night Live."
- The iconic cowbell and Five-Timers Club jacket.
- The torn photograph of Pope John Paul II from Sinéad O'Connor's "SNL" musical guest appearance.
- Costumes for legendary "SNL" characters such as Matt Foley and the Church Lady, as well as from other Lorne Michaels projects such as "Mean Girls," "Wayne's World 2," "A Night at the Roxbury" and "30 Rock."
- Posters, screenplays and production materials from "¡Three Amigos!" "Portlandia," "Tommy Boy," and more.
Curated by Steve Wilson, the exhibition traces Michaels' journey from his early theatrical roots in Toronto to his pioneering work in American television and film. It celebrates not only the enduring popularity of "SNL" but also Michaels' broader influence on comedy and culture.
To kick off the opening weekend, the Ransom Center will host Friday Morning Live: Campus Preview Day on Friday, Sept. 19. Co-sponsored by the Moody College of Communication, the preview will offer early access to UT students, faculty, staff and Texas Exes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This special event provides the campus community with a first look at the exhibition before its public opening. Longhorn visitors are welcome to arrive before the 10 a.m. opening remarks from campus leaders and enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks in the plaza.
