It is the purpose of the Kenan Center to provide, promote and support integrated and comprehensive cultural and recreational programs to the community. This is accomplished by developing and enlarging individual appreciation and understanding of history, science, religion, and the arts; and by encouraging an appreciation of our heritage and the understanding of its relevance to life as a whole.

Visitors from all over the world enjoy walking the Kenan Center campus to see the 1800's Victorian mansion and the beautifullly landscaped grounds that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. William Rand Kenan, Jr. The Center has grown from a community center, which has served the residents of Lockport, New York since its official dedication in 1969, to become one of the premier facilities in the Buffalo Niagara region for arts, education and recreation programming. Visit our Campus page to learn more about the Kenan House, Taylor Theater, Education Building, Kenan Arena and Kenan Gardens.


The Kenan Center House Gallery is located in the Kenan House, 433 Locust Street, Lockport. An active exhibition space since 1966 when it featured the works of Charles Burchfield, the Kenan Center House Gallery averages eight exhibits annually of local, regional and national artists. Committed to fostering artistic expression in young people, the gallery also includes a high school photo exhibit on its calendar each year and has recently added a Student Gallery to recognize and support the work of young artists. The Kenan Center also offers ARTiculations, an on-school-time visual and performing arts program during the school year.