Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

What to know

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art stands as a global landmark, described as the only museum in the world dedicated to artwork documenting the LGBTQ experience. The institution's roots trace back to 1969, when collectors Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman hosted an exhibition of art by gay artists in their downtown New York loft. This passion for preservation led to the establishment of the Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation as a nonprofit organization in 1990. Located at 26 Wooster Street in historic SoHo, the museum moved into its current ground-floor gallery in 2006. While it began as a foundation, it achieved official museum status from the New York State Board of Regents in 2011 and received formal accreditation as a museum in 2016. The museum's permanent collection is immense, housing over 30,000 objects. These artworks represent more than three centuries of queer art, ensuring that the diverse history and creative expressions of the LGBTQIA+ community are both exhibited and preserved for future generations. Visitors can explore the galleries between Grand Street and Canal Street, where the museum continues its mission to highlight marginalized voices through public programs and rotating exhibitions. The space remains accessible to all, maintaining a welcoming environment for those seeking to understand the intersection of art and identity.

Visitor tips

• Admission is free, though a suggested donation of $9 to $10 is requested to support the museum.
• Plan your visit for Thursday if you want extended hours, as the museum is open until 8:00 PM on that day.
• If you have mobility needs, use the wheelchair lift available after the five exterior steps at the front entrance.

Nearby context

The museum is situated in the historic SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, specifically on Wooster Street between Grand Street and Canal Street, an area known for its cast-iron architecture and artistic galleries.