HARLEM — The National Jazz Museum in Harlem wants to be seen and heard.
The museum, which has been on the second floor space of an industrial building on 126th Street and Park Avenue for more than a decade, is hoping a move to Lenox Avenue will increase its exposure.
“We’ve been here for 15 years and many people don’t even know we exist,” said spokeswoman Bree Evans. “The motivation behind the move had to do with increasing visibility and getting a ground-floor space.”
The museum will be moving to a newly-constructed building on 129th Street and Lenox Avenue right next to the popular cafe Lenox Coffee.
The museum is currently raising $10,000 to pay for new computers and technology upgrades for the new home. Museum officials hope to move in by the end of the year and start hosting exhibits in 2016, Evans added.
The museum's move to 58 E. 129th St. isn't the only explanation for its shifting status. Their artistic director at large, Jon Batiste, recently became the bandleader on the "Late Show with Stephen Colbert."
The announcement got the attention of Rolling Stone and Time magazines, both of which mentioned the museum.
In the new location, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem will host events similar to what was offered in its prior home, including exhibitions and small performances.
Bigger shows, like an upcoming benefit concert featuring Batiste, will be at larger event spaces around the neighborhood.
“We think our exposure and prominence in the community will increase because of the move,” Evans said.
As of Oct. 9, the museum has raised $470. Perks for donating include tickets to concerts, memberships, merchandise, and access to the Savory Collection, which features seldom-heard jazz treasures from the 1930s and 1940s.
