At 26 Wooster Street in SoHo, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is devoted to visual art by LGBTQIA+ artists and work about LGBTQIA+ experiences. Its changing exhibitions bring queer art and history into focus through paintings, photography, sculpture and other forms. The collection includes work by Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe and Keith Haring. The museum is compact, with two galleries and window displays, so check which spaces are open before you visit. A private tour can add historical context to the art.
A museum devoted to LGBTQIA+ art
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is in SoHo, Lower Manhattan, at 26 Wooster Street. It collects, preserves and exhibits visual art made by LGBTQIA+ artists, as well as work that explores LGBTQIA+ themes, people and experiences. Its focus gives visitors a way to encounter queer art across different forms, including painting, photography, sculpture and physical objects.
The museum began in 1969 with a commitment to preserving LGBTQIA+ art and supporting the artists who make it. That work took on added urgency during the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, when the collection grew as artwork was rescued from families who might otherwise have destroyed it. The museum’s history is closely tied to the preservation of work that could be excluded or lost.
What to look for in the galleries
Exhibitions change, so the art on view depends on when you visit. The museum’s two galleries and window displays present temporary shows, with subjects and materials that can differ from one exhibition to the next. Check ahead to see what is currently open; limited gallery access or installation problems have affected some visits.
Artists represented in the collection include Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe and Keith Haring. The museum has also presented work by Pamela Sneed and Carlos Martiel in an exhibition titled “Sacred and Profane.” Sneed’s work in that show drew on the history of slave pens on Fire Island. Treat exhibition titles and displays as time-specific, and confirm what is on view before planning around a particular show.
Tours and planning your visit
A private tour can connect the artwork with LGBTQIA+ history and explain how that history appears in different artists’ work. If you want a guided visit, arrange the tour in advance rather than relying on finding one on arrival.
The museum is small, and the amount available to see can vary with the exhibition schedule and gallery access. Check the current details before making a suggested donation, especially if seeing several galleries is important to your visit. The museum’s website is the place to confirm what is on view and how to plan your admission.
FAQ
Where is the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art?
It is at 26 Wooster Street in SoHo, Lower Manhattan, New York City.
What kind of art is at the museum?
The museum exhibits visual art by LGBTQIA+ artists and work about LGBTQIA+ themes and experiences. Its collection includes painting, photography, sculpture and physical objects.
Is there an admission fee?
The museum uses a suggested donation. Check its current admission details before visiting, as the amount of gallery space open can vary.
Can you take a tour?
Private tours are available and can explore LGBTQIA+ history through the art. Arrange one in advance.
