Kenkeleba House
New York Learn more about what's on at Kenkeleba House and the artists shaping its programme.Kenkeleba House is a landmark non-profit art gallery and cultural centre located on East 2nd Street in Manhattan’s East Village, New York City, renowned for its commitment to presenting, preserving, and interpreting the visual legacy of African American artists and other artists of color.
Founded in 1974 by Joe Overstreet, Corrine Jennings, and Samuel C. Floyd, the institution occupies the historic Henington Hall building, which dates to 1908 and includes both Kenkeleba Gallery and the Wilmer Jennings Gallery, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden and artist studios.
Kenkeleba House has become a must-visit for those interested in contemporary and historically significant art by historically under-recognised communities, mounting over 7,000 exhibitions and maintaining a collection of more than 30,000 works and cultural artifacts. Its programming emphasises African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American artists—many of whom are women—while actively supporting experimental work and solo presentations by deserving talents. Past Kenkeleba House exhibitions have featured leading figures such as Faith Ringgold, Ana Mendieta, Augusta Savage, Adrian Piper, Alma Thomas, and Camille Billops.
Follow Kenkeleba House on Ocula for expert alerts about recommended exhibitions and programming updates.
Kenkeleba House FAQs
What is the history of Kenkeleba House?
Kenkeleba House was established in 1974 by Joe Overstreet, Corrine Jennings, and Samuel C. Floyd to promote artists of color who had historically been overlooked by mainstream institutions. Occupying a former 1908 social hall, the gallery helped transform the East Village into a vital cultural destination and has played a pivotal role in shaping appreciation for African American and multicultural art in New York City.
Where is Kenkeleba House located?
Kenkeleba House is situated at 214 East 2nd Street (with Wilmer Jennings Gallery at 219 East 2nd Street), between Avenues B and C in the East Village, New York City. Visitors will find it in an architecturally historic neighborhood, near other key arts venues and steps away from the Lower East Side’s vibrant cultural scene.
Use the Ocula New York Art Guide to map Kenkeleba House’s location and plan your visit.
What art can I see at Kenkeleba House?
Kenkeleba House is dedicated to programming that highlights African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American artists, with a strong focus on women artists and experimental practices. Notable exhibitions include group and solo shows for Rose Piper, Augusta Savage, Faith Ringgold, Ana Mendieta, and more, each contributing to the institution’s lasting impact on international art conversations.
How do I find out what’s on at Kenkeleba House?
Current and upcoming exhibitions and events are posted on Kenkeleba House’s official website, and followers can also receive updates via Ocula for notable programming in contemporary art.
Who are some of the artists who have shown at Kenkeleba House?
Kenkeleba House has showcased work from noted artists such as Faith Ringgold, Ana Mendieta, Augusta Savage, Vivian Browne, Adrian Piper, Alma Thomas, Camille Billops, and Kazuko Miyamoto, reflecting its legacy of presenting both emerging and established voices in contemporary art.
Is Kenkeleba House accessible?
The galleries and sculpture garden occupy ground-level spaces within historic buildings and aim for accessibility; for specific information, visitors should consult the institution or its website for guidelines and assistance.
Can I buy artworks by artists who are showing or have shown at Kenkeleba House?
Kenkeleba House is a non-profit institution and does not regularly sell artworks, but limited editions or fundraising sales may occasionally take place. Many artists who have exhibited at Kenkeleba House are represented by leading galleries, and Ocula can help offer guidance on where to view or enquire about purchasing works by connected artists.
For additional advice and exhibition recommendations, follow Kenkeleba House on Ocula.
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