You can find $10 million worth of sports memorabilia in this new South Florida museum
South Florida is getting a new museum., and it’s a sports fan’s paradise.
The museum at Boca Raton’s Florida Atlantic University opens Feb. 18. It will house more than $10 million worth of sports memorabilia courtesy of Avron Fogelman.
The former Kansas City Royals owner donated his personal collection, which includes Babe Ruth’s last game-worn Yankee jersey, the 1985 World Series trophy and Jackie Robinson’s hand-written letter decrying discrimination.
“Creating an exhibit to display this collection is a way for us to protect our history,” Fogelman said through the university. “It is a living, breathing account of our country’s history, America’s Pastime and other sports told through artifacts.”
Aptly named the Avron B. Fogelman Sports Memorabilia Museum, the 3,500 square-foot exhibit holds more than just iconic baseball artifacts. The 562 pieces include an autographed Kobe Bryant jersey, a 1972 Miami Dolphins team-signed football, even the original rules of basketball produced for James Naismith’s 1934 manuscript.
“This showcase of stories, similar to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, is a one-of a-kind destination,” said Advent CEO John Roberson, whose firm designed the facility. “It’s a must-see for all baseball fans and even sports fans in general.”
FAU President John Kelly takes pride in housing the collection, which he says will enhance the university’s sports-focused academic programs.
Fogelman’s “desire to bring sports history to life will manifest through our plans for academic integration and community engagement,” Kelly said.
The museum is in the Schmidt Family Complex on FAU’s Boca Raton campus at 777 Glades Rd. It’s open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 11:06 AM.
