American Jazz Museum
Located in the heart of Kansas City’s Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the American Jazz Museum brings jazz to life through interactive exhibits, films, and live performances. Visitors can explore the Changing Gallery, Horace M. Peterson III Visitors Center, The Blue Room, and the iconic Gem Theater. Since opening in 1997, the museum has welcomed thousands of students, scholars, and music lovers for over 200 annual events, celebrating jazz legends and modern artists alike.
Our History
Founded on September 5, 1997, the museum—originally the Kansas City Jazz Museum—opened with a star-studded three-day celebration featuring Billy Dee Williams, Dianne Reeves, George Duke, Harry Belafonte, and Al Jarreau. For 25 years, the museum has honored jazz’s profound impact, inviting visitors to experience its rich history through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Our Mission & Vision
The American Jazz Museum celebrates jazz as an original American art form through performance, education, and research. Committed to expanding jazz’s influence and appreciation, the museum connects audiences locally and globally. As a city that helped shape jazz, Kansas City remains a thriving hub for this timeless art form.
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