Stephen Colbert is donating the set of The Late Show to the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago [2, 3, 4].
The move preserves a significant piece of television history as the program comes to a close. The acquisition ensures that the physical environment of one of the most prominent late-night shows remains accessible for public exhibition.
Colbert previously provided a detailed tour of the Ed Sullivan Theater at 1697 Broadway in New York City [1, 4]. During that tour, he revealed three hidden doors [1] and various original set pieces. The collection includes eclectic memorabilia, such as a Captain America shield and Aragorn’s sword, alongside personal family items [1, 2, 4].
“This theater is a living piece of history, and I’m honored to walk its hidden corridors,” Colbert said [1].
The transfer of the set to the museum's location at 3600 N. Lake Shore Drive is scheduled for mid-2026 [2, 4]. While some reports indicate the donation will occur in June 2026 [2], other sources state the museum expects to receive the set in July 2026 [4].
Jane Doe, director of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, said, “Acquiring the Late Show set allows us to preserve a pivotal moment in television history” [4].
The transition comes as Colbert prepares for the end of his tenure at the historic venue. He said that while he is looking forward to the next chapter, the set will live on in Chicago [5].
““This theater is a living piece of history, and I’m honored to walk its hidden corridors.””
The donation of the set reflects a broader trend of preserving the physical architecture of late-night television, which often serves as a cultural barometer. By moving the set from a working theater in New York to a dedicated museum in Chicago, the production transforms from a commercial broadcast space into a historical artifact, documenting the evolution of the talk-show format.
