This space showcases both local and national artists, traveling exhibits and other displays of fine art, film, photography & other media inspired by jazz and African-American life, culture & history.
Named for one of Kansas City's experts in African-American history and a key figure in the redevelopment of 18th & Vine and the Black Archives of Mid-America, the Visitors Center includes a variety of artifacts and the film "18th & Vine: A People's Journey," which features a brief history of the African-American experience on 18th & Vine and its contributions to the cultural, social and economic development of Kansas City.
One of the central components of the American Jazz Museum, the film "Jazz Is..." introduces visitors to jazz through film footage and testimonials from several influential musicians.
This area highlights the development of jazz music through the lives and music of four seminal jazz masters: Louis Armstrong, Charlie "Bird" Parker, Duke Ellington & Ella Fitzgerald. Through a combination of artifacts, rare photos, album covers, listening kiosks and a plethora of other materials, visitors experience the creativity of these artists and their contributions to music.
One of the most interactive parts of the Museum, the Studio features 16 separate listening stations and mixing boards focusing on the three basic elements of music - rhythm, melody and harmony: in addition to a variety of kiosks focusing on instruments including brass, reeds, piano, bass, drums, guitar and keyboards.
This exhibit showcases the classic album art from many of the greatest jazz recordings, highlighting the unique progression in graphic design & illustration that developed along with the music.
Music and sound technology grew up together. The first recording devices appeared in the late 19th century as African-American sacred and secular music merged to create jazz & blues. Here, visitors can view various relics of sound technology through which jazz reached a nationwide audience and became a central fixture in popular culture.
Designed to resemble a nightclub from the 1930s, the Blue Room is not only a jazz club featuring live music four nights a week, but also a part of the permanent exhibit at the American Jazz Museum. Each of the nine tables on the lower level are display cases of rare artifacts of Kansas City jazz, including photos, ticket stubs and musicians contracts. On the upper level, a "wall of fame" showcases images of dozens of musicians who helped craft the "Kansas City sound," and shadow boxes display guitars, saxophones, clarinets, sheet music, records, programs and other artifacts. The Massenburg Mural celebrates the history of jazz and the African-American experience through compelling interpretations of jazz legends and inspiring quotes.