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EXHIBITS

Featured EXHIBIT
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Jazz Player

COlLECTION

HIGHLIGHTS

As part of our mission and vision, the American Jazz Museum aims to exhibit a collection of artifacts that helps tell the story of jazz's impact in Kansas City, the nation, and the world.

Benny Goodman's shoes

Benny Goodman (1909-1986) was a legendary jazz clarinetist and bandleader. Over the course of his career, Goodman made many contributions to the world of jazz, including leading one of the nation’s first integrated jazz groups and ushering in the Swing Era, earning him the nickname “King of Swing.” These brown suede wingtip shoes were custom made for Goodman by Wildsmith Shoes in London. They were purchased by the museum in 2005 at an auction of jazz artifacts held by Guernsey’s Auction in New York City.

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RESEARCH
SERVICES

The Collections Department is happy to facilitate research of American Jazz Museum collections. To inquire about the collection, use of an image, or for help with a current research project, please complete our Research Request Form below or send your inquiry to collections@kcjazz.org.

Research Request Form
Research Request Form

COllECTION
DONATIONS

The collections of the American Jazz Museum represent the experience of Jazz as an original American art form and the unique musical heritage of Kansas City’s Jazz District at 18th and Vine. Donations to the collections are considered on a case-by-case basis. Special consideration is given to materials relating to the four jazz masters exhibited in the museum – Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.

To inquire about donating to the American Jazz Museum, contact the museum at collections@kcjazz.org or (816) 474-4469. Please provide your first last name, email, phone number, and a detailed description of the item(s) you wish to donate. Please note that AJM does not accept donation drop offs without prior communication and approval. For further information on donating items to the collection, please see our Donation FAQ Sheet.

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