Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Where history touches home

What makes it fun

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is the world's only museum dedicated to preserving and honoring African-American baseball's rich history and its impact on America's social advancement. The NLBM is located two streets away from the Paseo YMCA, which is where Andrew "Rube" Foster founded the Black National League in 1920. The NLBM first opened its doors to the public in a small office space in 1991, with the goal of establishing a permanent venue to honor America's unsung baseball heroes. Under the guidance of its late chairman, John "Buck" O'Neil, that ambition became a reality in November 1997, when the NLBM relocated into its 10,000 square-foot home inside the Museums at 18th & Vine.

Google Reviews

4.8

Based on 3531 reviews

David Chester

15:20 02 Nov 25

Well worth the time to visit!

Tom Stiegemeier

00:32 02 Nov 25

I enjoyed the visit, and as we neared the end of the tour, Mr Kendrick (museum president) introduced himself and shared several stories of players and baseball history. What a magnetic person. Sharing great stories of players, playing the game, and shaping American history. Thanks to Mr Kendrick for making this a special day. Looking forward to visiting again once the new facility is opened.

Just Me

00:22 02 Nov 25

One of the greatest learning experiences of my Life. Enjoyed every minute

MAJOR LEAGUE SMOKE SHOP

02:25 01 Nov 25

Bryan Duffy

18:01 31 Oct 25

Jason Murray

04:18 25 Oct 24

So much history! Great place!! Glad it's in my hometown!!! 😊

Da_BUS DRIVER

02:38 25 Oct 24

Whenever anyone visits Kansas City Missouri, this is one of the places to definitely visit... It is a one-of-a-kind experience that is akin to Time Travel back in the past, with a modern day feel...

Shenile Miles

03:03 23 Oct 24

It's been two weeks since my visit and I still think fondly of this trip. While the glossy sheen of the moment is long past, I'm still so happy I could be there.

THE historic 18th and Vine? It felt absurdly surreal. Then going into the museum was moving and spiritual. This place felt alive. It felt full of memories and long forgotten stories brought to the big stage.

Everything was curated with such a meticulous hand, yet my one (tiny) critique was that everything was a bit claustrophobic. I wish I would have learned more about the different leagues, the different players, the varying and overlapping timelines at a more leisured pace (however, this problem seemingly will be rectified as a bigger place will be built).

It felt like your favorite library/book store nook. It felt like sitting in front of a cozy fire. It felt like the sound of soft, steady rain. I am not by any means romanticizing the past. The awful, sickly horrors Black Americans had to dodge by the second were on full display. The unveiled, open hatred for Black, Hispanic, and Native baseballers were acknowledged at every turn. The lip curling rage pumps the blood. Then, there'd be something to make you smile, to make you rejoice, to make you linger at that placard a bit longer. While you knew the racism was there, the pride in this subculture was an invigorating jolt to the system. The poise, the grace, the true elegance far out weighed the ugliness.

My true regret is not showing up and showing out. How dare I not dazzle and sparkle as the occasion demanded. Next time, I'll be sure to not look as though I'm raking leaves (which is exactly how I looked in my shorts and plaid shirt).

When asked how I felt being there, it was like trying to describe the beauty of baseball. Just sit back, watch, cheer, and be swept up in the moment.

Pinky Witherspoon

17:01 22 Oct 24

A Smith

15:45 22 Oct 24

Unfortunately the museum was closed on the day and time I tried to visit. From what I could see from outside it looked and seemed fascinating. Given that black Americans are still not fully incorporated into major league baseball and are still affected by racism and blatant discrimination, this is a venue for all Americans and international visitors to educate and enjoy themselves. I plan to return during business hours.

20:44 03 Nov 23

00:00 01 Nov 23

20:05 31 Oct 23

15:46 31 Oct 23

An amazing place. History realized at every turn. Well worth the visit!

Terrance Moore

14:21 31 Oct 23

Comprehensive and expansive review of the history, the personalities, the talent, and the challenges that were part of the Negro Leagues. Photos, film, vintage equipment & uniforms - all expertly displayed. The historical and cultural context is presented in an instructive, compelling, and illuminating manner.

Don't miss this venue! It's right next door the the Jazz Museum, too.

mark antonio rodriguez

22:52 14 Sep 22

Wonderful place to appreciate the contributions and conditions that great players had to face. Sad that museum was smaller than I expected with less artifacts. Video displays were very dated and wish more people would contribute to modernize, which is sorely needed. The Era and the people should never be lost to time...we should all support the museum and make it the deserving showcase it should be for the other half of America's Pastime.

(Would be great to also find a way to expand it a little to include Latinos, Women, and other cultures who were involved as well)

Darrell Hugueley

18:00 06 Jul 22

Pierpont's is an amazing experience. Set in Union Station and preserving much of the nostalgic Art Deco interior, you will be treated to a first class dining experience.
The ambience is incredible. The detail on the architecture is truly beautiful. You cross the spacious lobby of the old train station and walk into another world.
The drink menu can't be outdone by any other bar I've been to in KC. They have all the scotches I would ever recommend. The cocktails ordered by the others in my party were on point.
The wedge salad featured crispy over lettuce and exactly the right amount of dressing.
Streaks were melt in your mouth delicious, with enhancements like Coffee and Chili powder. The Wild Sauteed Mushrooms had the delicate hint of garlic that made it a perfect complement.
The only very minor disappointment was the Pierpont's Fries, which seemed little more than steak fries one could get anywhere. The roasted garlic whipped potatoes were airy and creamy. Overall the key word was: subtle. Seasonings were not overpowering, but understated and designed to be a true accompaniment to the meal.
Peach bread pudding rounded out the evening, lightly sweet and not too heavy. Coffee was strong and full bodied.
This was a birthday celebration not to be missed on our trip from out of town. This was the highlight of the week.

Tam Henders

15:57 20 Feb 22

If you go on a weekend, book a tour in advance because it is busy. I would like to say first, the aesthetics of the place is beautiful, love the vibe. Also the slide is a must, why take stairs down when you can be a kid again and take the slide down, though caution if you know a little on the drunk side. Anyways. We couldn’t get in on a tour, and one of the staff members did try, and thank you to her for that. For us, it wasn’t a big deal because we still had a good time doing the flight and trying the different drinks. The pretzel is a really great palette cleanser but also really soft and good. I highly recommend going out of your way to visit. It is in a industrial district but worth the pin and stop.

Amanda Tharp

17:58 26 Jan 22

This was our first visit. As long time baseball fans we enjoyed this so much!!! So happy this part of baseball history is here to learn from. The price was worth the time we spent there (1 1/2 hours). We would recommend a visit to anyone who is a fan of baseball! It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.

Jill Keepes

01:37 25 Jan 22

Longtime Baseball fan but this was a new experience for me. So grateful for the people who made this museum a reality. We started by watching the intro video (sit in bleachers which was a neat touch). Then spent rest of time reading all the tidbits and history. So many mementos, photos, uniforms, clippings and quotes. Bleachers from original stadiums also are on site. The final stop is a miniature infield with bronze statues, very cool to stand with Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson!
Highly recommend you stop in and visit this gem. Included in the building is the American Jazz museum and also history area of 18th & Vine.