The museum preserves the history of American jazz music, especially Kansas City jazz music, with exhibits including Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald Big Joe Turner, Thelonious Monk, and Etta James.

In March 2024, music historian Dina Bennett became the executive director of the museum, returning after beginning her professional career there as in intern in 1999.

[7] It displays the Graphon alto saxophone played by Charlie Parker at the famous January 1953 Massey Hall concert in Toronto with Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, and Bud Powell.

Other exhibits include Benny Goodman's shoes, Harold Ashby's saxophone, and Myra Taylor's dress.

The Blue Room has interactive exhibits, a bar, and hosts live performances multiple evenings every week.