American Jazz Museum

American Jazz Museum

American Jazz Museum Credit Jenny Wheat

The mission of the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City is to celebrate and exhibit the experience of jazz as an original American art form through performance, exhibition, education, and research at one of the country's jazz crossroads – 18th & Vine.

Welcome to one of Kansas City's best-hidden gems, the American Jazz Museum. This museum is the only museum in the world solely focused on the presentation, exhibition, and advancement of jazz music, a fantastic arts and culture center located within historic 18th and Vine district.

The American Jazz Museum works to preserve the history of American jazz music by showcasing the 'sights and sounds of jazz' through interactive exhibits and films. The museum first opened here in 1997 and has since hosted thousands of students, scholars, musicians, and fans of the arts for over 200 performances, programs, exhibits, and events. There is certainly a good reason the NY Times called this spot an 'interactive paradise', as you will clearly see after your visit.

Your group will see various exhibits all throughout the museum that 'bring to life the great American art form of jazz', with various listening stations, touch screens, and mix boards. Explore the multitude of artifacts, graphics, and artwork that further explore the lives and legends of such well-known jazz musicians as Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. See photos, sheet music, posters, and personal artifacts such as Charlie Parker's Grafton Saxophone or one of Ella Fitzgerald's sequenced gowns.

Be sure to check to see if there are any live events, concerts, or programs happening during the time of your visit, with public education programs for all ages as well as concerts within the Blue Room Jazz Club or Gem Theater performing arts center happening regularly.