Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a sports museum in Springfield that documents basketball history from its beginnings to the present day. The silver sphere-shaped dome contains galleries with jerseys, shoes, championship trophies, and interactive stations where visitors can practice their shots.

The building opened in 1959 as a modest memorial at Springfield College and grew over the decades with the rising interest in basketball. In 2002, the collection moved to the Connecticut River waterfront into a modern facility that gave the sport new visibility.

The community gathers here during induction ceremonies that welcome new members into the sanctuary of basketball, celebrating generations of players and coaches. Fans from different countries arrive to honor their heroes and experience the global language of the sport.

A visit usually takes two to three hours, and the rooms are air-conditioned and well lit for all age groups. Some interactive areas can be crowded on weekends, so visiting during weekdays offers more space and calm.

The name honors James Naismith, who invented basketball in 1891 at the nearby YMCA building to keep his students active during winter. His original rulebook with thirteen points is displayed in a glass case.

Location: Springfield

Inception: 1959

Official opening: 1959

Website: https://hoophall.com

GPS coordinates: 42.09375,-72.58472

Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:31