THE MUSEUM

Once inside the Museum, your cherished memories will come flooding back – whether you are 10 years old or 70 years old, a casual fan or a fanatic.

EXPLORE OUR EXHIBITS

Across our three floors of exhibit space, you will experience baseball history through artifacts on display, which showcase the important moments on the field as well as the game's monumental impact on our society. 

FIRST FLOOR

HALL OF FAME PLAQUE GALLERY

The Plaque Gallery is sacred ground for baseball fans, where the bronze plaques of the Hall of Famers line the oak walls and visitors speak in hushed, reverential tones. The dramatic arched entryway and marble columns let you know you are somewhere special.

LEARN MORE

BUCK O'NEIL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

In 2008, The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legacy of the late John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil, the Negro leagues legend whose baseball contributions spanned eight decades, with the creation of the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. 

LEARN MORE

THE ART OF BASEBALL

Original works of art - paintings, sculptures and renderings - celebrate the game. 

SCRIBES AND MIKEMEN

Celebrate the legendary storytellers, broadcasters and writers who bring baseball into our lives. 

BASEBALL AT THE MOVIES

Enjoy the combination of two American passionsthat have thrilled audiences since the dawn of moving pictures. 

SANDLOT KIDS' CLUBHOUSE

Young aspiring Hall of Famers, ages 4-10, can experience unique activites. 

SECOND FLOOR

NEW INDUCTEES

Take an in-depth look at each of the new inductees to the Hall of Fame through artifacts related to their lives and careers.

LEARN MORE

GENERATIONS OF THE GAME: WELCOME FILM

This 16-minute film in our state-of-the-art Grandstand Theater sets the stage for your visit.  

LEARN MORE

TAKING THE FIELD: THE 19TH CENTURY

This exhibit offers an overview of baseball’s origins, featuring more than 150 artifacts. As you enter the exhibit, be sure to check out the Eckford Ball Case, featuring trophy balls from the Eckford club of the mid-1800s.

LEARN MORE

BABE RUTH: HIS LIFE AND LEGEND

But, Ruth’s legend was more than just numbers. He became an oversized symbol of America’s power, a brilliant man with human flaws that made him seem more real than mythic.

LEARN MORE

THE SOULS OF THE GAME: VOICES OF BLACK BASEBALL

This exhibit spotlights the decades-long history of Black baseball prior to the formation of the Negro Leagues, through the complexities of baseball’s re-integration, to the challenges that remain today, revealing the deep connections between baseball and Black America.

LEARN MORE

BASEBALL TIMELINE: 1900 - 1960

Learn about the history of the game from 1900 - 1960. 

DIAMOND DREAMS: WOMEN IN BASEBALL

This popular exhibit traces women's roles in the game from 19th-century ballclubs to their present-day involvement – on the field and in baseball's front offices and broadcast booths.

LEARN MORE

VIVA BASEBALL!

America’s National Pastime is also the full-time obsession of Latin America – a region that produced almost 30 percent of the players on recent Major League Baseball Opening Day rosters. This bilingual exhibit features nearly 150 artifacts and a multimedia presentation that highlights the passion of the Latin love affair with baseball. 

LEARN MORE

WHOLE NEW BALLGAME

The Museum’s "Whole New Ballgame" exhibit tells the story of baseball from 1970 to today. The exhibit features more than 300 artifacts and explores iconic moments.

LEARN MORE

THIRD FLOOR

YAKYU | BASEBALL - NOW OPEN!

Yakyu/Baseball: The Transpacific Exchange of the Game tells the story of how baseball reflects cultural exchange between the United States and Japan.

LEARN MORE

HANK AARON: CHASING THE DREAM

The exhibit chronicles Henry Aaron’s life, from childhood through his legendary big league career.

LEARN MORE

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Records hold a special place in the hearts and minds of baseball fans. One for the Books explores the stories behind many of our Game’s sacred records.

LEARN MORE

AUTUMN GLORY: A POSTSEASON CELEBRATION

The Autumn Glory exhibit features postseason artifacts and stories dating back to the first modern World Series in 1903 up through the most recent season. 

LEARN MORE

SHOEBOX TREASURES

Learn about the history of baseball cards and their power to thrill fans and collectors throughout the decades.

LEARN MORE

YOUR TEAM TODAY

Modern game-used artifacts from every major league team are presented in 30 lockers. 

GETTING THE NOD

The exhibit features highlights from the renowned collection of nearly 1,000 bobblehead dolls donated by Jeffrey H. Loria, former owner of the Miami Marlins. 

LEARN MORE

ONLINE EXHIBITS

Explore baseball history from the comfort of your home. 

EXPLORE

Featured Story

Cooperstown has become a synonym for “baseball” – thanks to a story about a Civil War general and the country’s love for a timeless game.

Read more

COLLECTIONS

Each item – the bats, baseballs, gloves, spikes and uniforms – tells an important story about the game’s history. But the collection is also broad and deep, documenting both the game on the field and its impact on American culture. It may be art, books, baseball cards or photographs that bring your memories of the game to life.

LEARN MORE

EDUCATION

Our educational programs include public events that promote discussion and interaction among generations in the Museum; programs that provide K-12 students and teachers interactive and meaningful learning experiences that align with national learning standards in Cooperstown, online and in their communities; and a robust lineup of virtual programs for diverse audiences.  

LEARN MORE

LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTER

The library is the foremost repository of baseball information, in all formats, in the world. Founded in 1939 along with the Hall itself, the library is a specialized research facility whose collections and services are available to all. 

LEARN MORE

COLLECTIONS

Each item – the bats, baseballs, gloves, spikes and uniforms – tells an important story about the game’s history. But the collection is also broad and deep, documenting both the game on the field and its impact on American culture. It may be art, books, baseball cards or photographs that bring your memories of the game to life.

LEARN MORE

EDUCATION

Our educational programs include public events that promote discussion and interaction among generations in the Museum; programs that provide K-12 students and teachers interactive and meaningful learning experiences that align with national learning standards in Cooperstown, online and in their communities; and a robust lineup of virtual programs for diverse audiences.  

LEARN MORE

LIBRARY AND RESEARCH CENTER

The library is the foremost repository of baseball information, in all formats, in the world. Founded in 1939 along with the Hall itself, the library is a specialized research facility whose collections and services are available to all.