Mattye Reed African Heritage Center, Greensboro

The Mattye Reed African Heritage Center, located within the University Galleries of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, is home to one of the most significant collections of African art and artifacts in the United States. Founded in the 1960s, the Center preserves and celebrates the cultural heritage of the African continent through more than 3,500 pieces, representing over 30 nations. These include traditional sculptures, masks, textiles, musical instruments, and figurines that reflect both ancestral traditions and contemporary practices. The Center also regularly features temporary exhibitions and cultural events, offering a dynamic experience for visitors and scholars alike.

Housed in the historic Dudley Building on the university campus, the Center is part of a larger network known as the University Galleries, which also includes the H.C. Taylor Gallery. While the Mattye Reed Collection focuses on African and Caribbean art, the Taylor Gallery emphasizes the works of African American artists, including faculty and students of A&T, as well as nationally acclaimed names like Romare Bearden, Alma Thomas, and John Biggers. Together, the galleries serve as a vibrant hub for visual storytelling, education, and artistic exchange.

Mattye and William Reed played a key role in shaping the Center’s mission. Mattye founded the collection, while William, former Dean of Agriculture, contributed to U.S.-Africa exchange efforts. Their legacy lives on through archival materials-photos, reports, artwork, and memorabilia-that link Greensboro’s local history to broader African heritage.

Free and open to the public, the Mattye Reed African Heritage Center is more than a museum-it’s a bridge between continents, generations, and creative voices. Whether you're a researcher, student, or curious visitor, the Center invites exploration of African and African American culture in a setting that honors education, diversity, and legacy.