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American Jazz Museum
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Museums [Edit]
Neighborhood: 18th & Vine1616 E 18th St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 474-8463
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for American Jazz Museum
A GREAT small museum!
Their exhibits are gorgeous - and outline a variety of jazz related figures and the historical development of the music. While the main museum exhibits require admission there is a free visitor center display in the lobby, a nice store and the Blue Room lounge to see performances.
The Negro League Baseball Museum is also within the same main building. Go and check out both. There is plenty of street parking and the neighborhood is clean and friendly.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (4)
Very modern with interactive exhibits that really let's you explore jazz. Jazz was quite the draw for KC in this century. The area around here used to be hopping, especially in the days of Segregation.
Very colorful exibits. It is not the largest museum, but you have to start somewhere. It's good that they revitalized part of the area. It has gone into a lot of decline.
Affordable? YES! $2 to get in if you buy an $8 ticket to the Negro Baseball Museum.
I went here several years ago, and I remember being severely disappointed. For a museum that boasts being an "American Jazz Museum", this place was way too small, and it seemed like everything was in broad strokes. For an art form with such a complex and interesting history, I felt this was just really weak. It's something I would expect in a country other than the USA, not where the art form actually took shape, and especially not in a city so important to the development of jazz. I don't know if it's because I'm a musician and wanted something more in depth or what.
Another problem was that at least 30%-40% of the display recordings were broken. It gave the place an abandoned, uncared for vibe.
Also, because Kansas City was one of the major centers of jazz, probably only second to New Orleans, and where bebop was basically created, I expect a hell of lot more.
I will have to go back and hopefully the place can redeem itself. I don't think it would be fair to put less than 3 stars though, as I haven't been to any other jazz museums, so I haven't experienced one better. However, if I were to compare it to another music museum, "The Museum of Making Music" in San Diego, that museum blows this one out of the water.
It's disheartening, because it seems like the place has so much potential. But everyone so far has given 5 stars, so they must be doing something right.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Great place to learn some music history. The admission fee is pretty cheap. The displays are very inspirational and informative. This is a must see when in Kansas City, MO
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
I love this museum, mostly because I love jazz and blues music. There is so much to see and respect here, and I doubt that anyone would regret coming. There are so many treasures and keepsakes from great musicians and singers, like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. If you are a fan of the era and genre of music like I am, I know that you will enjoy this museum.
It is not a huge museum, as it is also housed with the Negro Baseball Museum, but it probably takes about 45 minutes to go through the entire exhibit. They have (of course) samples of music playing and recordings you can listen to of great moments in jazz history.
Seeing the trumpet that made someone famous or the dress Ella wore during a performance really brings the music alive and it is definitely a worthwhile experience in Kansas City, especially because we are known for BBQ and Blues. These things go together so perfectly (which is probably why the museum holds a 'rhythm and ribs' festival every year) and it is great to learn about how the history of this crucial music genre intertwines with Kansas City.
Housed in the same building as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, this is a fine place to learn about some of the greats in jazz history. You can tour both museums for $8.
It's an interactive museum and it's a great place for kids and adults alike to learn about this great American form of music. Learn how to mix rhythms and sounds, listen to some of the great artists and songs and much more. You can easily spend a couple of hours here and come away with a greater appreciation of jazz music.
I like that KC takes great pride in it's place in the world by providing us with both of these great museums. There is also a jazz club within the museum called the Blue Note, that has shows at night.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Great Museum, well designed displays. Fun interactive exhibits that help explain jazz. Lots of artifacts, charts, and album covers, they even have Charlie Parker's union contracts.
With a $6 admission, there is no excuse not to go.
No camera's allowed, but if you can get on in, I didn't see any guards.
The Charlie Parker memorial statue out back is cool but strange; what's wrong with the back of his head?