A treasure addressing the highlights and not shying away from the ugliness of the time. It's slightly interactive (the opening film is so worth it, shown at 15 and 45 after the hour every hour) so it's a lot of standing and reading but the timelines of the Negro Leagues and the eventual integration of MLB are really well done. The field of bronze statues are amazing and very well done. There's a LOT of memorabilia and the locker section with almost all of the original uniforms is amazing as well. Probably my favorite medium-sized museum in the country. It's a bargain for the price and there's a ... reverence, I think ... to understanding the pioneers like Jackie Robinson and the sheer grace with which they handled themselves. read more

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Locker area (one of three) with all original uniforms from the Negro Leagues. - Museums Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I visited the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum during my trip to Kansas City and was absolutely amazed by it. The museum provides a wonderful, interactive way to learn about the history of baseball in the early 1900s. It expertly walks you through the nuances of how the league was formed, how it competed with the Major Leagues, and the profound role it played in the larger scheme of American civil rights and social history. The exhibits are incredibly engaging and fun--I especially loved the mock baseball field featuring life-sized statues of the legendary players. It brings the history to life in such a powerful way. This is an absolute must-visit in Kansas City! read more

My 15 year old loved this place. There was so much history to see, read, and learn about. My husband loved it as well. The only downside was the website advertised that military gets in free but when we went, they told us differently. Please update website, not fair to those who are military expecting to get in free but must pay instead. read more

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Loved it. There's so much local, American baseball history in KC that this museum was quite interesting, even though I am in no way (ever) a baseball fan. Two video screenings and tons of baseball exhibits, NLBM is most definitely worth the visit. Golden gloves, signed baseballs, supporters/friends, the opposition/foes, greats of the ladies' league, uniforms and gear of the times, names I didn't know like Buck O'Neil to names I do like Satchel Paige-- it's all here! The history buff in me lived for this visit, and if you're a baseball fan, you'll love it here. Nicely done and cheers! read more

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I'm a longtime baseball connoisseur, and love the game's history, so this is one of my favorite spots in the world. They have done a great job celebrating the Negro Leagues' amazing history, documenting its path and displaying the special people who comprised its legendary status. Two or three wonderful videos aid the casual observer or the baseball novice, and they helped me reset my mind too. I visited as part of the MLK Weekend, and I am glad that I traveled to Kansas City again. There is so much here, and it is a fantastic visit, regardless of your baseball fandom. It is American history, celebrating our sport and its pioneers. read more

Another great experience for me while visiting Kansas City This is definitely a must do when in town. This museum is very well thought out, well decorated and put together. Lots of things to see and learn about, artifacts, movies ect. Tickets are only $10, parking is free, and there is a little gift shop attached read more

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Excellent event host Attended a function and the moderator of the museum was very passionate and knowledgeable, the band was live and on point, the venue was clean and so was the restroom. read more

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This place may look small but it is full of history! It has an amazing collection of baseball memorabilia and lots of interesting facts and history about not just baseball but Kansas City. My husband is the baseball fan but I really enjoyed how much I learned and how interesting the displays were. I'd encourage anyone to stop by if visiting the city. read more

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I was blown away by this museum. You start out with a great introductory video. It does a perfect job setting up the timeline and stories that you learn more about in the museum. There's a lot of artifacts, signs, and plaques to read! I easily spent 1.5 hours reading all the info. The museum highlights local KC heros, big names in baseball, and players who I never would have known otherwise! The museum specifically covers a lot of KC local history and really features the Monarchs. This is a great museum for baseball fans and history fans. Great for families too. The final room of the museum is a baseball field with statues of key players, which was great for all the kids to run and play. I learned so much from my trip! It's well worth the $10 price of admission! Tickets can be purchased online or in the gift shop. I highly recommend this museum to tourists and locals of Kansas City! You can still access the entrance even with all the road construction in the 18th and Vine district. They have a helpful parking map on their website. There's a back entrance that connects to the parking lot. read more

This was a great stop while in KC. The exhibits were fascinating and I learned so much about the Negro Leagues. It wasn't a huge museum we spent about 2 hours looking at everything. It is a must visit if you are a baseball fan and in KC. read more

If you've never been to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum located on 18th & Vine in Kansas City, please put it on you to do list. You start the tour off with a short video and then start off at your pace through the Museum. Seeing the different players who made an impact of Baseball and their contribution was eye opening. A common theme I took from touring was these members of Baseball opened doors for the generations of players to follow. From the progression of clothing, baseballs and the equipment it's easy to see that things came along way. It's something you have to check out in person to understand but well worth the visit. There is parking on the street around the Museum and and open parking lot maybe about a block away. Admission is free from February 1st - March 7, 2025 (thank you to the Kansas City Royals.) Please stop by, check it out, immerse yourself in history, learn something new about a Negro League player or the owners that made the league possible back then. read more

So this was an amazing experience I didn't anticipate. I was in Kansas for a conference and this wasn't far from my hotel. I enjoy baseball. I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan or enthusiast of the sport. But this museum she'd a new light on the game. I learned so much about Black History and the impact Black men and WOMEN had on the sport. I feel horrible because I can't remember the name of the guide who took us through the museum. He is AMAZING! He has a podcast too. He had so many great stories. The way he tells the stories keeps you engaged and hanging on ever word! This is great for kids and adults. I loved all the exhibition items and the way the museum is designed. I couldn't resist buying merchandise when I left. I recommend this to anyone, not just baseball lovers. read more

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Museums Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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This museum is AMAZING! Learned so much history abt the evolution of blacks in the baseball industry. So informative with plenty of items to read abt. Can definitely spend quite a bit of time in there and it's well worth it. read more

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What an absolute treasure! I can't recommend it enough. I do wish they had a bit more in souvenir shop but we had a great time.

We've been trying to visit here for years! Finally got a chance this past weekend. It did not disappoint. There was so much history to take in. We spent about two hours but probably could've spent another two. There's a lot of reading but worth it. And all for a very reasonable price. Exited thru the gift shop and bought a t-shirt and a couple of mugs. read more

I wouldn't call myself a sports nut, but I don't think you need to be one to visit this museum. It's less about sports statistics than it is about the league itself and what the players went through during these rough times in American history. Some of the best players in Major League Baseball started out in the Negro Leagues before the MLB began allowing players of all colors and creeds. A visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum goes deeper than just some fun about the game and actually teaches you about our nations history and sport past. I left this museum in awe of what these men endured and how they still became champions of not only the MLB, but the communities they served. I will say this isn't something I'd visit more than once every few years, but for a couple hours of learning about these great athletes at only $10, I'd say it was worth it. You can see more of our experience on our YouTube travel channel: https://youtu.be/6X_5cDClGus read more

I was honored to go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. I took by kids last time and we walked though and were amazed. This is a really good depiction of the history and what we have been through and shown in an inspiring way. The bookstore I bought some items I have never seen anywhere else. read more

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - The book store is where you can get a lot of cool items. I think most of what they sell you can't get anywhere else or I haven't seen it. - Museums Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Museum was very informative. The president of the museum happened to be there and shared his experiences with us. The museum not only shared about baseball during a time of segregation, but also discussed how NLB actually helped bring unity among all players, which led to black athletes being able to play ball in the MLB. Very informative and great for learning about how NLB made an impact on the world we live in today. read more

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I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more. I already came in knowing a lot about the Negro Leagues, and just needed more. I guess if you know nothing going in, this would be a 5-star experience, but for me it was a little lacking. The gift shop was also lacking as was the staff's enthusiasm. It's still a must do when you're in K.C., just don't get your hopes up like I did. read more

Really at the top of our list for our visit to Kansas City. I read from some online post that you could hit it in an hour. I think we were there for at least 2 and maybe 3. There is just so much to see and read and experience. The first thing we did was watch a short film narrated by James Earl Jones, which got us really in the headspace to experience all the artifacts and such that was to follow. Old jerseys, sweaters, hats, gloves, bats, stories, and quotes (Satchel Paige had the best one to me). After all the memorabilia, you come out to a mini baseball field, peopled with statues of the giants of Negro League Baseball. You walk around them and watch kids, including my son, pose in the manner of the statues. It was surprising how moving it was to be on that field. Just an amazing experience. It's not all perfect. There was an area with 2 easy chairs in the exhibit that looked like it was set up for an office, but i didn't really see an explanation of its significance. The gift shop has comparatively very little to choose from, which is kind of a lost opportunity. The two ladies behind the counter were playing on their cell phones and i felt like i was interrupting them to buy the couple items i did get. But all that aside, the opportunity to visit a place that holds so much history, so much baseball history, so much Black baseball history, at a time when it seems less and less African Americans are playing in the MLB than ever before, and to have my son get to learn about that history, and for my wife and I to follow him around and learn more about these giants...I'll never forget it. read more

We are in Kansas City Missouri, and touring the Negro League Baseball Museum. It is truly on my top list of things to do while in KC. The museum is easy to find. We were able to park on the street near the museum. The staff members were friendly and informative, and the cost was nominal. The exhibits were very well done, and exiting to tour. read more

So much information, great exhibits, lots of lore and information outside of just baseball. The movie/documentary is worth the wait. I wish the women in baseball exhibit was a little more spaced out - it felt crammed into the corner, but otherwise this was a great stop on our visit! read more

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This isn't a common museum to visit, but it's a museum everybody should visit. They do a great job of presenting history, stories, and why they're important today. There's a ton of exhibits and memorabilia from even the 1800s. The short film narrated by James Earl Jones was a great intro to the museum. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring if you read thoroughly, but only an hour if you want to browse. There's a gift shop and an exhibit of the Kansas City Monarchs for free before you enter. Parking is on the street. read more

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The museum is located in Kansas City, Missouri on the historic 18th & Vine which was known as the Jazz District and the heartbeat of the Black community. The museum expands upon our common knowledge of Jackie Robinson's accomplishments, by highlighting the talented baseball players that were stars in the Negro Baseball League. Starting by introducing us to the founder of the league, Rube Foster. I was glad to see that there was a several panels focusing on the female players that proved they were just as capable to play the game. In particular, Toni Stone who was the first woman to go pro in baseball. Ticket prices range from $6 to $10 and can be purchased online. read more

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Sooo much information, be sure youre ready to read and take in all of the info. There's so much history in this place. I recommend to visit once or twice if you're in Kansas City. read more

Geddy Lee! The line organization could have been better, but a great museum snd a great experience

Wonderful tribute to the groundbreaking Negro Leagues, complete with a winding walkthrough exhibition and a history recap film screening with narrator James Earl Jones. Great for families, sports fans, and history buffs. read more

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Women of the Negro Leagues - Museums Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Overall amazing experience and well presented. As a museum buff and huge baseball fan this hit on so many levels. The overall experience took 90 minutes but could have spent another hour. Great insight into a very important aspect of not only the history of baseball but US history itself. Definitely recommend. read more

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What a gem of a spot in KC! I love seeing how 18th and vine is being revitalized. Though it was super crowded when we went my son and I were still impressed by how well the museum was curated, Stories of anti-racists working towards equality, musicians who partnered with baseball teams, and previously untold stories about athletes made for an incredibly engaging museum. They have a short film at the beginning that is worth watching and is only 15 minutes. Sculptures, artifacts, and media were all very interesting. It would be great if they had more interactive elements for kids who are more tactile learners. It was A LOT of reading for my son who doesn't enjoy reading. Really cool gift shop with vintage style clothing and memorabilia. You can also visit the open exhibit for the jazz museum without additional cost. Can't wait til the open the brewery just up the road to Leep adding in great elements to this neighborhood. read more

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Very disappointed! Looked at website, bought tickets online, and paid for an uber to the museum. Then found out that we could not go in as they were closed for something being filmed! Obviously they knew about this in advance. Why not put a note on the website or instagram? Why leave the sandwich board outside saying the museum is open? Why leave the neon "open" sign lit up? So annoyed bc we wasted our 1 afternoon in town plus 2 uber fares (there and back). read more

Had a quick weekend trip to Kansas City and this was a highlight! We learned so much about the Negro Leagues! Worth the trip!

On 7/26/25,. we came to the museum with high hopes. We travelled from San Diego, Ca and had been looking forward to the visit since we are big baseball fans. The website confirmed hours of operation and we knew the museum closed at 5pm. All the signs on the property, both permanent and temporary stand-ups, listed the close time as 5pm. We arrived at 1 pm and were told the museum was closed. We were given no reason and there was no signage. We tried the gift shop and were treated very rudely by the female cashier. It was a major disappointment for my family and the dozens of others who were turned away; and paired with the rudeness, it really made me think twice about supporting this establishment again. How hard was it to post changed hours for a special event and be respectful to people who are trying to support the museum? I walk away with Major frustration and not even a magnet to memorialize my trip!!!o It appears someone with management realized they made a serious oversight. Now if you log into the website, they have a post about being closed due to filming for Ted Lasso. It doesn't help all the people who wasted their time and money for on line tickets. SMH read more

The employees to the NLB museum were rude especially compared to the jazz museum across, there is a lot of history which is nice but the employees kind pf ruined it, they came off very cold and while the employees on the jazz side both yesterday and today said there would be a discount because we went to the jazz side, my dad also heard them talking about me behind my back although i didnt say a word to them nor did my dad and my mother was polite as can be. When we talked to the jazz side they said (paraphrasing) that it was odd since they have done that for quite some time and that they would have a word with the nlb side. Overall just rude and seemingly misleading read more

I missed this on my first trip to KC a few months ago, and had more time this time around so I walked the 30 minutes there and it was so good, I would've walked 1 hour for it! As a baseball and history fan, you can't go wrong with this museum. It does have a lot of text, but it's interesting--there's so many pictures and newspaper clippings and stories and movie clips! It's so well-done and the design is very well-thought-out. As another review suggested, you should watch the movie in the theatre near the front before going through the exhibits! read more

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It was pouring rain Saturday so I ended up going to the museum to get out of the rain. I was super impressed with the quality and curation of the museum and learned a lot. Definitely check it out if you're in the area read more

This is Definitely a don't miss out on a fantastic Musuem! Perfect for all ages, Baseball fans, Sports Fanatics, History Buffs, and Civil Rights enthusiast! It's one of those Musuems where it could take one person an hour and the next Four hours. The memorabilia and historical figures were fantastic. Don't miss the section on how Women have impacted Baseball. read more

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This was my first time at this museum and if you read no further, my advice is to go visit! So much American history through the lens of baseball! Did a private tour with my family and we had a BLAST! Located in the historic 18th and Vine district of Kansas City, Missouri, this Museum is a must if you are in the city! read more

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Touring this outstanding museum is an enlightening experience. Despite the injustices of the past, it is filled with warmth, love, and celebration. Within these walls is an almost overwhelming amount of historical fact and narrative. I would likely need 3 hours without interruption to read the entire timeline and immerse myself in the displays and films. However, the space is not huge, so when I visited I only took in bits and pieces so I wouldn't hold up the patrons behind me. Truly, this museum is a feast for baseball fans and history enthusiasts alike. My only regret is that I didn't get to meet the fascinating president, Bob Kendrick. He's a mesmerizing storyteller. If you ever have the chance to listen to him regale legendary Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews with tales of baseball past, do not miss it. read more

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Museums Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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I really enjoyed this amazing museum. The films were very informative. The flow of the museum was great and was very informative. It kept the younger members of our party involved and interested. It does present a great timeline of not only baseball but of the world as a whole. read more

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Loved the museum and certainly glad it exists, as it is an important part of baseball and US history. I would HIGHLY recommend watching the movie first, before hitting the museum. It is 15 minutes and is shown at :15 and :45. It gives a good overview of what is in the museum. There is tons of opportunity for additional artifacts/information (ie, coming from Detroit, I was hoping for more info on the Stars). We went on Jackie Robinson Day (unintentionally) and seems like a great opportunity to have some type of celebration, but didn't. Overall loved that it exists and I hope it continues to grow and flourish. read more

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