A Rare $10 Million Sports Museum is in South Florida
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) located in Boca Raton is home to a $10 million sports memorabilia museum thanks to former Kansas City Royals part-owner, collection curator, and donor, Avron B. Fogelman.
Fogelman is a well-known businessman and sports fanatic. He is the proud owner of one of the largest sports memorabilia collections in America. Over time, his name became very popular among auction houses, dealers, and famous athletes themselves. The museum houses more than 1,200 rare and impressive sports items you can’t see anywhere else.
On the campus of FAU and open seven days a week at no cost, The Avron B. Fogelman Sports Memorabilia Museum, is a permanent exhibit featuring an extensive multi-sport collection.
Baseball
As former part-owner of the Kansas City Royals, there’s a wide range of Royals items on display including the 1985 Kansas City Royals World Series Trophy and game used baseballs from the Series. The muesum also has a full window of Jackie Robinson gear, including a game worn glove. Other incredible baseball items on display are Babe Ruth’s pinstripe uniform pants worn on his first day as a New York Yankee in 1921 and Joe DiMaggio’s 1936 rookie uniform. This is just a small sample from the main room full of baseball memorabilia.
Basketball
As you walk into the museum you realize there’s more than just baseball gear on display. The collection also includes the 13 Original Rules of Basketball by James Naismith, credited as the inventor of basketball. In the same area are also signed, game-worn shoes from Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Stephen Curry.
Football
The collection also includes some incredible football items, too. On display is Bo Jackson’s Heisman Trophy, an autographed football signed by the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, a helmet and cleat signed by Peyton Manning, and a signed Green Bay Packers Super Bowl team ball. There’s so many other great football pieces, so be sure to visit in person.
Other Sports – Olympics and Golf
The museum truly has something for everyone. If baseball, basketball, and football aren’t your thing, the exhibit also houses 12 Olympic torches, President Nixon’s official golf clubs, and the 1969 Ryder Cup Trophy. For the ladies who aren’t interested in sports but want to check it out, there’s also a full display of the World Series jewelry worn by Avron Fogelman’s wife, Wendy.
Looking for something affordable, yet iconic, to do with family or friends? The museum is free and open seven days a week. The museum is located at the Schmidt Athletic Complex on the campus of FAU in Boca Raton, about 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 50 miles from Miami. If you love the museum, there’s a box at the exit where you can leave a donation, if you wish! Check out FAU’s website for free parking and hours of availability.
