12. Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art, located at 26 Wooster Street, is the first of its kind in the world. The exhibitions showcase documented artwork from diverse worldwide LGBTQ+ artists. The museum’s roots began in 1969 when founders Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman held the first exhibit of gay artists in their SoHo home. During the HIV/AIDS crisis, they continued to support gay artists suffering from the disease by saving their art from being thrown out by families. In 1987, they formed the Leslie-Lohman Gay Art Foundation. The museum became accredited in 2016 after organizing and preserving LGBTQ+ art, history, and its correlation with social justice.
When going inside, there is a sense of humility, wonder, and gratitude. The OMNISCIENT exhibition, for example, displays visual art from 40 different worldwide artists. Each of their artworks tries to identify how the queer community can identify themselves in the digital age through reconnecting with past Hollywood and Disney archival visual oddities and beauty. Admission is free, but any donation amount is appreciated. They are open Friday-Sunday from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.