.png)
Daily admission to the museum is free for all members. Become a member today for access to upcoming exhibits, performances and programs! Non-members may purchase tickets at the museum or online below.
For information about discounted rates for group visits, email us.
The bronze statue of Charlie Parker is located behind the Museum right near the eastern corner of Vine and E 17th Terrace.
18th & Vine is internationally recognized as one of the cradles of jazz music and a historic hub of African American businesses. Many jazz musicians of the 1930s and 1940s made 18th & Vine their home, Charlie Parker being the most notable of the era from Kansas City. Learn more about the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District when you visit the 18th & Vine: A People’s Journey video in the Horace Peterson Visitor Center Theater.
Originally named the Star Theater, the Gem was built in 1912 by the Shriner and Powellson Amusement Company as a silent movie palace serving Kansas City’s African American population. It was renamed the Gem in 1913, and by the time motion pictures could talk in 1929, it had become an established fixture on 18th Street. Today the theater hosts many concerts, community events, and theatrical productions. Space is also available for meetings, workshops and seminars.
Named after the famed 1930s Street Hotel club in the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the Blue Room simultaneously honors the past and showcases the present names in jazz. A multifaceted exhibit highlighting the countless musicians who crafted “Kansas City jazz,” a sound known all over the world, the Blue Room also provides a distinctive platform to present dynamic performances from the best local and national jazz talent in an intimate setting. The Blue Room hosts over 20 lives shows each month.
The American Jazz Museum is proud to produce over 20 live jazz shows each month, not counting special performances and events. Our Blue Room is a living exhibit in our museum proper and operates as a live jazz club with performances on Monday evenings, Thursdays at noon, Friday happy hour an evening shows, and Saturday night sets. Special events and concerts are also hosted in the historic Gem Theater. See our events page for more information and upcoming show listings. Please note that our performance schedule varies each month.
Our staff recommend: Arthur Bryant’s, Smaxx, Gates BBQ, Grinders, Mission Taco, Soiree Steak & Oyster House
No, food and drinks are prohibited in the Museum and the changing gallery. You may, however, enjoy food and drinks in the Atrium.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on our website, or in our Swing Shop (located just inside and to the left of our main entrance) upon arrival.
Yes, the American Jazz Museum offers discounted ticket rates for groups larger than 25. Please groups@kcjazz.org to plan your visit.
Street parking is available. Parking lots are also available at 18th and Paseo, 18th and Vine and behind the museum building.
Personal photographs within the Museum are absolutely welcomed. However, if you have any commercial purposes (not for memories or social media), review the photo and film guidelines on our website and fill out the application if necessary.
Yes, located behind the visitor services desk. Swing Shop staff will be happy to assist you with checking your coat but because this is not a secured area, the Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Yes, there is a wheelchair available, free of charge. There is one, located in the coat check behind the visitor services desk.
