Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage
Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage

Admission is FREE! 

The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center & Museum is open to visitors of all ages. The first level includes the Bruce R. Watkins permanent exhibit space, The Wilhelmina L. Stewart Children’s Gallery, The Gertrude H. Keith Resource Library home of the Buffalo Soldiers Exhibit, auditorium, small gallery and glassed encased exhibit area for small pieces and artifacts. The second level consists of business offices, the main gallery and a temperature-controlled exhibit preparation area.

An exhibition displaying multiple informational posters on stands, arranged in a semi-circle in a room with a tiled ceiling and reflective floor.

First Floor Gallery

Drawings, paintings and sculpture pieces by local African-American artists are showcased in the intimate 16’ x 12’ gallery, The Gertrude H. Keith Resource Library, and others!

An art gallery with white walls, wall-mounted paintings, and track lighting illuminating the artwork. Main gallery at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center featuring rotating artwork and exhibits along white walls

Second Floor Gallery

Exhibits capturing African-American life as experienced throughout the history of America are displayed in this spacious gallery. Exhibits have included the Smithsonian’s “Field to Factory”, “Black Wings: Tuskegee Airman”, Josephine Baker”, and Kansas City’s own living legends.

Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage

This museum is self guided, so you can move at your own pace!

Get ready to explore! Take your time, follow your curiosity, and let every exhibit tell its story.

Call (816) 513-0700 for more information.

Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage

Take Your Event to the Next Level

Event space at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center set for a formal banquet with round tables and projection screen

We offer a variety of room rentals you can schedule for your next program. Auditorium, Atrium (Grand Hall), and Gallery Space. Please call for availability and cost.

(816) 513-0700

Kente-inspired decorative stripe in burgundy, gold, cream, and black — a tribute to African textile heritage