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San Francisco, California / History

Harvey Milk Mural & Former Castro Camera Site

The former site of Harvey Milk's Castro Camera, now a commemorative mural and gallery, marks the spot where the first openly gay elected official in a large U.S. city launched his political career.

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Harvey Milk Mural & Former Castro Camera Site
castrocbd.org, og_image_castrocbd.org

What is the Harvey Milk Mural & Former Castro Camera Site known for?

It is the former location of Castro Camera, where Harvey Milk—the first openly gay elected official of any large city in the U.S.—launched his political career. The site is designated as San Francisco Landmark #227.

Where is it located?

The mural and former camera store site are located at 575 Castro Street.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, visiting the site is free of charge.

What does the mural depict?

Created by John Baden, the mural portrays Harvey Milk along with the quote: “If ever a bullet should enter my brain, let the bullet destroy every closet door”.

What is currently at this location?

The site has previously served as a Human Rights Campaign Centre (from 2011 to 2021) and is being taken over by a new LGBTQ gallery and retail space.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located at 575 Castro Street, this site is San Francisco Landmark #227. It was the home of the Castro Camera shop, opened by Harvey Milk in 1972. Milk, a former New Yorker who arrived in San Francisco in 1973, used the store as a community center and a base for his historic run for office, living in the apartment located directly above the shop. As the first openly gay elected official of any large city in the United States, Milk was instrumental in the rise of gay people as a political force. The storefront now honors his legacy through a mural by John Baden and historical panels. The mural features a powerful quote from Milk: "If ever a bullet should enter my brain, let the bullet destroy every closet door." Over time, the space has transitioned through various uses. It served as a Human Rights Campaign Centre from 2011 to 2021, and is currently being transformed into a new LGBTQ gallery and retail space. Visitors can view the mural and historical panels from the sidewalk, making it a central point of reflection on the LGBTQ own rights movement in the heart of the Castro District.

Visitor tips

  • The site is free of charge to visit and is located right on the sidewalk of Castro Street.
  • Combine this stop with a visit to the nearby GLBT Historical Society Museum for deeper historical context.
  • Look for the two commemorative plaques located opposite the former camera shop.

Nearby context

This site is situated in the heart of the Castro District, near the Harvey Milk Plaza and the GLBT Historical Society Museum, serving as a core part of the the LGBTQ+ community's historical landscape.

Sources

Evidence and links