National Jazz Museum in Harlem

Hours

Thursday – Saturday, 12pm to 5pm

Prices

RSVP tickets start at $20

Accessibility
  • Wired headphones can be brought for listening stations.
  • Earbud headphones are available for purchase at the Museum.

Discover jazz at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of America’s most celebrated musical genre.

Address

58, West 129th Street, New York, New York, 10027

Get Directions

Phone

212) 348 8300

Getting There

Easiest access is the 2 & 3 trains to 125th Street & Malcolm X Blvd.

Address

58, West 129th Street, New York, New York, 10027

Get Directions

Nestled in the heart of one of New York City’s most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem stands as a beacon of musical heritage and innovation. Founded in 1997 by Leonard Garment, a former aide to President Richard Nixon, and jazz historian and writer Dan Morgenstern, the museum has since become a cherished institution, preserving and promoting the rich legacy of jazz.

 

Tracing the Cultural Evolution of a Musical Revolution

Upon entering the museum, guests find themselves in a realm where the poignant tunes and pulsating freestyles of legendary jazz musicians reverberate throughout the corridors. The exhibitions at the museum chart the development of jazz from its African American cultural origins to its current global significance. Through multimedia presentations, interactive displays, and rare artifacts, visitors can better grasp jazz’s influence on society and its function as a catalyst for social change.

 

Capturing Jazz History

As soon as you enter the museum, the lively world of jazz will envelop you. A wealth of oral histories is among its gems, illustrating the diverse fabric of the genre. By exploring these interviews, one can hear the perspectives of legendary jazz musicians as they share their tales, experiences, and sources of inspiration.

Every story deepens our understanding of the development of jazz, from the elegant compositions of esteemed composers to the swinging rhythms of great performers. These first-hand stories ensure that the essence of this ageless art form lives for future generations by protecting the legacy of jazz and providing an insight into the creative process.

 

Beyond the Exhibits at the National Jazz Museum

Explore the National Jazz Museum in Harlem to discover the vibrant world of jazz beyond the exhibitions. All year long, a wide variety of educational activities, concerts, and special events are available in this energetic center of culture.

Experience live performances by up-and-coming musicians, thought-provoking talks, and workshops taught by jazz professionals, regardless of your level of experience with the genre. Examine, participate in, and enjoy the fundamental rhythm of jazz.

 

Preserving Jazz: National Jazz Museum’s Enduring Legacy

Serving as a global reference point for jazz aficionados, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem is dedicated to preserving and honoring the rich history of this very American art form. The museum ensures that jazz remains significant for future generations by promoting greater knowledge and enjoyment of the genre via dynamic events, educational initiatives, and compelling displays. It maintains the ageless appeal of jazz by acting as a major nexus for the international jazz community, committed to both innovation and preservation.

 

  • Dive into Jazz History: Explore exhibits tracing jazz’s journey from Harlem roots to global prominence.
  • Enjoy Live Performances: Experience captivating jazz acts, from established artists to rising stars.
  • Learn and Engage: Take part in workshops and programs delving into the rich tapestry of jazz culture.
  • Support Jazz Preservation: Your visit helps sustain a vital institution celebrating America’s musical heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can, but flash photography is not allowed.

The mission of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) is to preserve, promote, and present jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation, and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally, and internationally. We tell the truth about jazz and fuel our mission through four Core Programs: Education, Jazz &… (Community Engagement & Performance), Exhibits, and Partnerships. Our programming and our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy represent our commitment to showcasing jazz and jazz-adjacent voices and perspectives that characterize and welcome the most inclusive diversity of audiences.

The Museum offers a wide range of free online and in-person programming to educate, entertain and connect audiences, jazz artists, educators, and scholars. Each year, because of the generosity of our supporters, we produce over 100 free and highly subsidized jazz workshops, performances, and events that serve more than 200,000 people in Harlem, New York City, the U.S., and the world.