DESCRIPTION: Located in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, the sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the first museum in the country devoted exclusively to jazz. The museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as The Blue Room, a working jazz club, and The Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center.
ADDRESS: 1616 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.
PHONE: 816-474-VINE
WEB SITE: americanjazzmuseum.org
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
HIGHLIGHTS:
HOURS: Monday (June through August) - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday (September through May) - Closed, Tuesday throught Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday - Noon - 5:00 p.m.
ADMISSION: Adults $10; seniors (60+) $9; and children (6-18) $6; children (5 and Under) Free. Discounts for Military ($4) and College Students ($8) with an ID. Tickets can be purchased online at: American Jazz Museum.
ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: The Museums at 18th & Vine collectively average approximately 300,000 people annually. These figures do not include attendance for performances, concerts and private events held at the Gem Theater. The Blue Room receives approximately 40,000-50,000 visitors each year.
HISTORY: It’s no surprise that the American Jazz Museum is located in a former hotbed for the genre. During the 1920s and 30s, jazz flourished at 18th & Vine and on nearby 12th Street. The American Jazz Museum features four jazz greats, but Kansas City was considered a mecca for many musicians; legends like Count Basie, Andy Kirk and Joe Turner played in Kansas City. For decades, the Mutual Musicians Foundation, also located in the 18th & Vine District, has been the after-hours meeting place for some of Kansas City’s most talented jazz performers.
WHERE TO EAT:
WHAT’S NEARBY: In addition to the American Jazz Museum, check out these other nearby locations:
DID YOU KNOW: Named after the famed jazz hotspot in 18th & Vine’s Street Hotel, The Blue Room was recognized by Downbeat Magazine as one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world.
GROUP DISCOUNTS: Group discounts are offered to both guided and self-guided tours depending on Docent availability. Fro group pricing, groups must have a reservation in advance of visit. Reach out to groups@kcjazz.org for more information.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From the north: Take I-35 S to I-70 E. Take The Paseo exit and travel south. Turn left onto John “Buck” O’Neil Way. Turn right onto Vine Street and then left onto 18th Street. On the left you will see the Museums at 18th & Vine marquee.
From the south: Take US-71 N. Take The Paseo exit and turn right. Take another right onto 18th Street. On the right you will see the Museums at 18th & Vine marquee.
From the east: Take I-70 W towards Kansas City. Take Exit 4B to 18th Street. Turn left onto 18th Street and continue several blocks. On the right you will see the Museums at 18th & Vine marquee.
From the west: Take I-70 E into Kansas City. Keep left to take I-670 E/I-70 ALT E through Downtown. Take The Paseo exit. Turn right onto The Paseo. Turn left onto John “Buck” O’Neil Way and then a right onto Vine Street. Finally, turn left onto 18th Street. On the left you will see the Museums at 18th & Vine marquee.
PARKING: Public parking is available on either side of 18th Street, on the south side of “Buck” O’Neil Way or in public parking lots near the Gregg Community Center (18th and Woodland).
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Dr. Dina Bennett, executive director, dbennett@kcjazz.org, 816-474-0463