Negro Leagues Baseball Museum/American Jazz Museum

Frommer's Review

These two unique museums, housed under one roof, are in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum tells the compelling story of segregated baseball, from the founding of the Negro National League just a few blocks away in 1920, until Jackie Robinson, who played for the Kansas City Monarchs, signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The Jazz Museum pays tribute to jazz greats ranging from Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker, with listening stations throughout. Be sure to see the gallery with changing exhibits relating to jazz, baseball, and African-American life, as well as the film in the visitor center highlighting the golden days of the 1930s, when this very district boasted more than 60 jazz clubs and served as the commercial heart of Kansas City's African-American community. The Blue Room, attached to the complex, stages jazz concerts with local musicians 4 nights a week; historic Gem Theater across the street features national acts. Plan on 2 hours here.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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