American Jazz Museum

Where Jazz Lives

What makes it fun

The American Jazz Museum is a place where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of jazz. Through interactive exhibits and films, the Museum hosts thousands of students, scholars, musicians and fans of the arts for over 200 performances, education programs, special exhibitions, community events and more each year. At the American Jazz Museum, you have the opportunity to learn about the legends of jazz, honor their legacy, or simply enjoy the sounds of modern day jazz.

Google Reviews

4.7

Based on 854 reviews

Able Le Béni

2 months ago

Den Menne

2 months ago

Bryan Krueger

3 months ago

Must see. Plan about 2 hours to beagle to see everything.

Brandy R.

3 months ago

Just so great! So much education and so much music! Quiet and calm.

Sam Robertson

3 months ago

Smaller space than I expected, but that makes sense since it shares the building with the Negro Leagues museum. The music showers is a very interactive and inspired display choice.

Lukas Mayerhofer

4 months ago

If you are interested in jazz, definitely a must visit. It explains a little about the creation of music and gives examples of how songs are mastered. Moreover they have a selection of sound snippets and records. The staff was really friendly and explained everything in great detail.

Liz Hicks

4 months ago

A KC gem - worth a visit! Several great restaurants right by the museum. Always plenty of parking. Across from the Gem Theater.

4 months ago

4 months ago

4 months ago

4 months ago

Fantastic! Affordable admission. Very knowledgeable, kind volunteers and staff members. Beautiful displays! You don’t have to be a jazz expert, or even know music basics, to have a blast. They have lots of interactive tablets throughout, many would play the songs discussed in the interpretive texts. One room in the back has a screen titled “In the Mix”, don’t miss it! Here you can learn how mixing music works, and give it a try. If you’ve live in KC and keep meaning to go, stop waiting! Go now! Highly recommend for life long learners, families, school trips, and solo travelers!

Kelli Wheeles

10 months ago

1st time visiting. Why did we wait so long? Informative and amazing staff. Tons of interactive exhibits that you can spend plenty of time to enjoy. A couple of films to watch. Thoroughly enjoyable. Can’t wait to come back to watch the jam session. Bonus: I learned a lot. Due to construction in the area we parked a couple of blocks away.

KEITH DALTON

1 year ago

We were the only ones visiting on a Thursday morning right after they opened. We had to take our jazz trumpet playing son there and we were welcomed by Muriel who really spent time with us and spent some time educating my son on the Kansas City scene. In addition she encouraged making connections with various individuals associated with the museum as well as potential jazz camp and perhaps career in music. She also dispelled our understanding about the Blue Room jazz club and children may attend due to the club is a listening room and even though it serves alcohol it does not bar children from attending performances. So we were super excited we could take him, since my wife and I have been many times to see local and national jazz musicians. So glad it is one of the few UNESCO creative arts cities and Kansas City keeping jazz alive as well as its history.

1 year ago

1 year ago

1 year ago

1 year ago

Absolutely a must for true music lovers Wonderful

Yvette Santos

1 year ago

Harvey Flowers

1 year ago

The American Jazz Museum is a true gem in the heart of Kansas City! From the moment you walk in, you're immersed in the rich history and soul of jazz music. The exhibits are beautifully curated, featuring legends like Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. I especially loved the interactive displays and the listening stations—such a cool way to experience the music firsthand. The museum does a fantastic job connecting the cultural roots of jazz with the vibrant present-day scene. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do. I also appreciated the live music at the Blue Room—an unforgettable experience! Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just curious about America's musical heritage, this museum is well worth your time. Highly

Cynthia R

2 years ago

As an avid jazz lover, I knew visiting this place in the historic jazz district when I came to town was a must do. It did not disappoint. It’s small but very informative. It has some interactive parts where you can actually hear some of the Jazz greats playing. I enjoyed every minute there. There is an attached Jazz lounge called the Blue room that had a free jazz show at 5:30 that I stuck around for. It was awesome and a great vibe.

Kevin Smith

2 years ago

Terry WC

2 years ago

Very interesting piece of Americana. See it. You will have been amused and enlightened

Vivian H. FORD

2 years ago

Buck Caldon

2 years ago

Amazing 🤩

Carol Salinas

2 years ago

Rev Charles Adams Jr

3 years ago

Had a great time. First timer. My wife and I loved it. It was very educational and rich in history.

Lee Smith

3 years ago

Christopher Johns

3 years ago

Lesa major

3 years ago

If you're in Kansas City and can tear yourself away from the BBQ ...Check out the Jazz museum! It was a wonderful experience. You can learn a lot about the time line of jazz. Visit The Blue Room! You will not be disappointed. Next time I'm in town....will definitely visit 1600 E 18st jazz museum.

LaShay Carter

4 years ago

My first time there and it was like stepping back in time. Such a refreshing and sweet experience 💞-absolutely loved it. The artwork is priceless. I hope to see this museum and the Negro Baseball League expand soon -too much and too little history and heavy hitters crammed into too small a space.