The National Park System Unveils Its First LGBTQ Center—in the Perfect Location

The events at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, ignited a revolution. That police raid that weekend led to the Stonewall Uprising and sparked a worldwide movement for LGBTQ rights that endures today. Fifty-five years later, on June 28, 2024, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center will open at 51 Christopher Street, allowing visitors to explore this pivotal moment and its relevance to today’s LGBTQ rights movement.

Mark Segal, a social activist and author, still vividly recalls the events of that weekend when he was just 18. “Stonewall was the only place in New York where we could dance,” he reflects. “If a bar served liquor to a homosexual, they risked losing their license. I was present when the police shut the doors, began wrecking the bar, throwing bottles, and pushing people against the walls. I had never witnessed anything like it. We were terrified, but then we fought back.”

The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is the inaugural LGBTQ Visitor Center in the National Park Service (NPS). It is located alongside the Stonewall National Monument in New York City’s West Village, which includes the historic Stonewall Inn and Christopher Park.

Diana Rodriguez, founder of the advocacy nonprofit Pride Live, initiated discussions with the NPS in 2016. When the original location of the bar became available for lease (next to the existing Stonewall Inn at 53 Christopher Street), Rodriguez eagerly seized the chance to reclaim this historic site for the community. To date, she has raised $3.2 million for the 2,100-square-foot center, with backing from major corporations and private donors, while celebrities like Adam Lambert, Christina Aguilera, and Chelsea Clinton have helped raise awareness for the initiative.

The Visitor Center at the Stonewall National Monument is now part of the U.S. National Parks, complete with its own unique NPS passport stamp. Rangers have been engaging with visitors here for some time, making it special for those from out of town to interact directly with a National Park Service ranger about Stonewall, as Rodriguez highlights.

In May, I explored the space with Mark Segal before its public opening. The first thing that caught my eye was the restored elements from the bar, such as the original brick wall and a detailed ceiling recreation. Segal was moved, stating, "Touching the brick wall gives me chills; it feels like I'm 18 again."

The center will feature a permanent exhibit with interactive video panels that tell the story of the riot and the LGBTQ rights movement, alongside a jukebox playing vinyl records from the late 1960s, curated by queer DJ Honey Dijon. Additionally, a cozy theater at the back will show a short documentary and host community events.

Visitors can enjoy an augmented reality experience that honors the trans individuals involved in the Uprising. Rodriguez emphasizes that trans community members will not only be acknowledged but celebrated.

Ross Levi, executive director of the New York State Division of Tourism, remarks that the new center is crucial to both New York and American history. He points out that the first Pride March occurred one year after the riot. Segal reflects, "Seeing millions marching for pride is a testament to the history of this building."

Prepare for your visit

The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is set to open its doors on June 28, 2024. The Center’s website provides details on operating hours and admission. Entry is complimentary and suitable for all ages. For the initial months, reservations are mandatory for visiting the space. You can secure your reservation here.