A Nostalgic Journey Through "Everybody Loves Raymond"
As the crowd cheered, Ray Romano stepped through the doors of the Long Island Music And Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook, New York. This moment marked the beginning of a celebration for one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, "Everybody Loves Raymond." The event took place just a day after the show's 30th-anniversary reunion special aired on CBS and Paramount Plus.
The exhibit, titled "Everybody Loves Raymond — Celebrating 30 Years," officially opened to the public on November 28 at 11 a.m. at the Stony Brook location. It features a stunning 70-foot-wide set from the show’s anniversary TV special, which has never been displayed publicly before. Fans will have the chance to see iconic props such as the big fork and spoon and the well-loved couch up close.
Romano expressed his emotional connection to the exhibit, describing it as a form of time travel. He noted that the attention to detail was so precise that it felt like he had never left the world of the Barone family. "It's amazing," he said. "To see it here, it's surreal because it feels like so long ago, but then you stand here for a few minutes and it feels like you never left."
The exhibit also highlights the deep ties between the show and Long Island. Romano, who was born in Queens, played a character who lived in Lynbrook and worked as a sports writer for Newsday. The show's creator, Philip Rosenthal, and producer Rory Rosegarten, both from Queens, were also involved in bringing the exhibit to life.
LIMEHOF Chairman Ernie Canadeo emphasized the significance of the exhibit, calling it a fitting tribute to Long Island. "It is truly the ultimate 'Everybody Loves Raymond' fan exhibition," he said. The show, which ran from 1996 to 2005, was nominated for 69 Emmy Awards and won 15. It has been ranked among the best sitcoms of all time by various publications.
The exhibit features not only the set but also a range of items from the show, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster. Visitors can also enjoy multimedia clips, including behind-the-scenes footage and rare out-takes, in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.
In addition to the new exhibit, LIMEHOF will also feature "The Billy Joel Collection…from the Billy Joel Archives," which includes items on loan from the Billy Joel Archives that have never been on public display.
Tickets for the exhibit are available on LIMEHOF’s website and include access to multiple exhibits and events. These include the "Everybody Loves Raymond Exhibition," "Billy Joel – The LIMEHOF Collection," the Surround Sound Theater, and the Hall of Fame Room, which features rare memorabilia and information from over 140 inductees.
Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving Long Island's musical and entertainment heritage for future generations.
Romano reflected on the personal significance of the exhibit, noting that it was built on the foundation of his own family. He introduced his brother Richard, who inspired the character of Robert on the show. Romano shared a story about how the phrase "Everybody Loves Raymond" came into being, highlighting the deep connection between the show and his own life.
For Romano, the exhibit was more than just a celebration of a television show; it was a journey back to the moments that shaped his life and family. As he stood in the recreated living room, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the Barone home, he was clearly moved. "This is unbelievable," he said. "Thank God you did," he added, referring to the efforts of those who brought the exhibit to life.
The exhibit is presented by Catholic Health and marks the first time a complete exhibition of this scale has been assembled for public display. Designed by Kevin O'Callaghan, the experience is completely immersive, allowing visitors to step into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets.
Visitors can walk through the living room, kitchen, and other areas of the house, while also seeing a variety of iconic items from the series. Multimedia clips will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments that made the show so special.
The exhibit is a testament to the enduring legacy of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and its impact on fans across generations. For Romano, it was a chance to go home again, to relive the magic of a time when laughter and love filled the Barone household.
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