Center hours:Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Closed Sunday and Monday Admission is free
The Center is named in honor of Bruce R. Watkins, a political and social activist. Watkins was fueled by the need to recognize and preserve the varied contributions African-Americans made to the development of Kansas City. The center opened in December 1989 as the outgrowth of Watkins’ efforts. Construction of the Center was made possible through the work and contributions of the Bruce R. Watkins Fountain Inc., the Kansas City, Mo., Parks and Recreation Department, and the State of Missouri.
The mission of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center is to commemorate and interpret the African-American diaspora particularly in the State of Missouri, the City of Kansas City, Mo., and its surrounding areas through fostering educational and cultural programs regarding the past, present and contemporary contributions of African Americans who served to shape the city and state's history and culture. A major component of contemporary and future interests involves the conscientious development of the state environmental policies.
In order to maintain our commitment to the center's mission, the following types of events can be hosted by the center: lectures, workshops, plays, performing arts, musical concerts, artistic showcases, movie series, etc.
