The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) has officially opened its doors at 51 Christopher Street in New York City, marking a significant milestone in the history of LGBTQIA+ rights. This groundbreaking center is the first LGBTQIA+ visitor center within the National Park Service (NPS), located at the historic site of the Stonewall Rebellion, a pivotal event that sparked the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The SNMVC offers a unique and immersive experience that honors the legacy of Stonewall and educates visitors on the ongoing fight for full equality.

Opening on the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, the SNMVC is a testament to the resilience and courage of the LGBTQIA+ community. This visitor center, developed by Pride Live in partnership with the NPS, serves as a symbol of progress and recognition of the importance of preserving LGBTQIA+ history. With 2,100 square feet of space, the center features a variety of exhibits, programs, and resources that highlight the rich history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Visitors to the SNMVC will find a comprehensive and engaging educational resource that includes in-person and virtual tours, lecture series, exhibitions, and visual arts displays. The center also houses the dedicated Stonewall National Monument NPS park rangers, who are committed to welcoming all visitors and preserving this site of national significance. This article will explore the various exhibits and experiences offered at the SNMVC, highlighting the importance of each in celebrating and preserving LGBTQIA+ history.

The Importance of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

The SNMVC stands as a powerful reminder of the significance of the Stonewall Rebellion and its impact on the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The events of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn were a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, leading to the formation of numerous advocacy groups and the beginning of Pride celebrations around the world. By creating a dedicated visitor center, Pride Live and the NPS aim to ensure that the legacy of Stonewall is preserved for future generations.

Booking.com Theater: A Space for LGBTQIA+ Stories

One of the key features of the SNMVC is the Booking.com Theater, which offers original programming that showcases diverse stories of LGBTQIA+ travelers. This theater, supported by Booking.com, provides insights into LGBTQIA+ friendly travel destinations and inclusive hospitality practices. The theater also serves as a venue for screenings and events, creating a space where visitors can engage with the stories and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Wall of Solidarity: Honoring the Legacy of Stonewall

The Wall of Solidarity, installed by Google, is an interactive exhibit that greets visitors upon entering the SNMVC. This digital installation highlights the global impact of Stonewall’s legacy and features the voices of revolutionary hope. The exhibit honors the humanity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community, showcasing moments of love, care, strength, and perseverance. Through this exhibit, visitors are encouraged to reflect on the ongoing fight for equality and to carry forward the legacy of Stonewall.

The West Wall: A Journey Through LGBTQIA+ Activism

Curated by Stonewall Pioneer and SNMVC Founding Partner Mark Segal, the West Wall offers a series of panels that provide a detailed account of the events leading up to the Stonewall Rebellion. These panels tell the story of the NPS’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community and their role in the fight for full equality. The West Wall also features the original archway that connected the two spaces of the Stonewall Inn, offering visitors a tangible link to the historic events of 1969.

Jukebox: The Soundtrack of Stonewall

The Jukebox exhibit, supported by Amazon and curated by DJ and producer Honey Dijon, features a replica of the original jukebox from the Stonewall Inn. This exhibit highlights the music that captured the spirit of the Stonewall community, offering visitors a way to experience this historic moment through a different lens. The playlist, available exclusively on Amazon Music, includes songs that reflect the joy, celebration, and sisterhood of the LGBTQIA+ community during the rebellion.

Parsons School of Design Student Exhibit: Voices of Today’s Generation

Pride Live has partnered with The New School’s Parsons School of Design to create a rotating exhibit that shares the experiences of young Queer people and allies. Each year, a new group of students will curate an exhibit that reflects the perspectives and stories of today’s generation. This partnership ensures that the SNMVC remains relevant and engaging for visitors of all ages, highlighting the ongoing contributions of young people to the LGBTQIA+ movement.

Mothers of Star AR Experience: Celebrating Community Figures

The ‘Mothers of Star’ AR experience, created by B. Hawk Snipes, Tourmaline, and Kinfolk Foundation, is a diverse representation of impactful community figures throughout history. This exhibit focuses on bringing to life newly imagined monuments of significant Queer and trans figures such as Storme DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, and Zazu Nova. Through this innovative installation, visitors can experience the collective movement of art and technology to preserve and celebrate the contributions of Black and Brown historical figures.

Stonewall Generations: Voices of the Movement

Stonewall Generations is a video series produced by Pride Live with support from AARP. This series highlights and archives the voices of both historic and contemporary figures in the LGBTQIA+ movement. Featuring speakers such as Chelsea Clinton, Adam Lambert, and Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, the series underscores the ongoing impact of the Stonewall Rebellion and the continued fight for full equality. By preserving these stories, the SNMVC ensures that the legacy of Stonewall remains a vital part of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement.

FEWOCiOUS Original Art: Capturing the Spirit of Stonewall

The east wall of the SNMVC features original artwork by Queer artist FEWOCiOUS, entitled “How Are You?”, created in real-time during the center’s 2022 Groundbreaking Ceremony. This vibrant painting, along with an original work by Ang R. Bennett titled “To the Ones We Forgot,” adds a unique artistic element to the visitor center. These pieces capture the spirit of Stonewall and serve as a visual reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and recognition.

Design & Architecture: A Collaborative Effort

The creation of the SNMVC was a collaborative effort involving various partners who contributed their expertise to bring the project to life. Parente Development managed the project, with EDG Architecture + Engineering overseeing architectural design and structural engineering. Local Projects provided experiential storytelling, while WB Engineers + Consultants managed the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design. Interior designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent also lent their support, ensuring that the SNMVC is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Visit the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center

The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center officially opened to the public on June 28, 2024, with free admission for all visitors. This visitor center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and legacy of the Stonewall Rebellion and the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ equality. Visitors are encouraged to explore the various exhibits, participate in the programs, and reflect on the significance of this historic site. To learn more about the SNMVC and to plan your visit, please visit stonewallvisitorcenter.org.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below. Your input is valuable in continuing the dialogue about the importance of preserving LGBTQIA+ history and advancing the fight for equality. Whether you have visited the SNMVC or have a story to share, we want to hear from you. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Stonewall and the ongoing efforts to achieve full equality for all.