MISSION:
The National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) is on a mission to preserve, promote and present jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally.
We bring this mission to life through four main programs: Education, Public Programming, Exhibits, and Partnerships. Our offerings are all about showcasing the diverse voices of jazz, welcoming artists and audiences from every background, and creating a space where all perspectives can be celebrated.
Whether you’re visiting us in person or tuning in online, NJMH invites you to experience the magic of jazz right where it all started – Harlem! Led by our world-renowned, multi-GRAMMY®-winning Artistic Directors, Jon Batiste and Christian McBride, we shape our exhibits and programs with their creative vision, offering a fresh and exciting way to engage with jazz.
Our goal is simple: We want everyone, everywhere, to feel the joy and energy of jazz. We’re not just a museum – we’re a vibrant, ever-evolving cultural hub where people gather to enjoy music, history, and community.
Education is at the heart of everything we do. From school programs to community collaborations, we’re dedicated to making jazz accessible to all, no matter your age or location.
With the generous support of our donors, we present over 120 free and low-cost workshops, performances, and events every year, reaching more than 200,000 people in Harlem, New York City, and around the world.
Our space, our virtual platforms, and our collaborations create unforgettable jazz experiences for everyone – and we’re always ready to welcome new artists to the family.
Jon Batiste is an internationally acclaimed musician, bandleader and composer. He has earned 5 GRAMMY® Awards. As an educator and television personality, he spreads his unbridled optimism coupled with a profound understanding of the arts.
Christian McBride has earned 9 GRAMMY® Awards. Heralded as a teen prodigy at 17, Christian moved to New York in 1989 to pursue classical studies at the Juilliard School. There he was promptly recruited to the road by saxophonist Bobby Watson. These days, world-renowned bassist and bandleader McBride is powered by a relentless energy and a boundless love of swing, blazing towards his fourth decade as the Philadelphia native has become one of the most respected figures in the music world today.
Richard S. Taffet, Chair · Lolita K. Jackson, Vice Chair · Albert De Leon, Secretary · Mark A. Willis, Treasurer
Zaire Baptiste · Jai K. Jacob · Kenneth McIntyre · Wynton Marsalis · Robert Nelson, Jr. · Samuel A. Turvey
Trustees Emeriti
Ken Burns · Timothy L. Porter · Jonathan Scheuer · Abraham D. Sofaer, Founding Chair
In Memoriam
Leonard Garment, Founder · Daryl Libow, Secretary · Dr. Billy Taylor · Lloyd Williams
Dale Dobson, Executive Director
Ryan Maloney, Education & Program Director
Kristien Saarup, Office Administrator
Loren Schoenberg, Senior Scholar
We are your go-to venue for off-site meetings, receptions, film screenings, workshops, networking events, socials and more. Located in the heart of Central Harlem’s thriving culinary and entertainment district, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem is the perfect place to hold your next gathering.