Boca Raton has a new museum and it’s a sports fan’s paradise. The Avron B. Fogelman Sports Memorabilia Museum at Boca Raton’s Florida Atlantic University opened last year. It houses more than $10 million worth of sports memorabilia courtesy of Avron Fogelman. The former Kansas City Royals owner and longtime Boca Raton resident donated his personal collection, which includes Babe Ruth’s last game–worn New York Yankee jersey, Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 rookie uniform, Babe Ruth’s uniform pants from his first day as a New York Yankee in 1921, the 1985 World Series trophy, Jackie Robinson’s hand–written letter decrying discrimination, baseballs signed by sports legends, politicians and historical figures and so much more. This Collection consisting of562 sports pieces is considered to be one of the largest private sports libraries amassed by a single individual.
“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.”
Appropriately 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 offers visitors a visual progression of American sports alongside vignettes of the country’s growth, providing historical context, opportunities for intergenerational connections and unique storytelling.
The museum is located in the Schmidt Family Complex on Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus at 777 Glades Rd. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
