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GLBT Historical Society Museum: A Window into Queer History

Explore the vibrant history and culture of the LGBTQ+ community at the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco's Castro District.

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Located in the heart of San Francisco's Castro District, the GLBT Historical Society Museum stands as the first full-scale, stand-alone museum of LGBTQ+ history in the United States. Through dynamic exhibitions, the museum showcases the rich history, culture, and arts of the GLBT community, preserving and celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.

A brief summary to GLBT Historical Society Museum

  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the first Wednesday of the month for free admission, courtesy of the Bob Ross Foundation.
  • Consider joining a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and the history they represent.
  • Check the museum's website for information on current and upcoming exhibitions.
  • Take public transportation, as parking in the Castro can be challenging.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The GLBT Historical Society Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. From downtown San Francisco, take any Muni Metro line (K, L, M, or S) to the Castro Station. From there, walk one block south to 18th Street. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 with a Clipper Card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, good for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and historic streetcars, is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Walking

    The GLBT Historical Society Museum is located at 4127 18th Street, in the heart of the Castro District. If you are already in the Castro, it is easily reachable by foot. From the intersection of Castro and Market Streets, walk south on Castro Street, then turn left onto 18th Street. The museum will be on your left, a half block from Castro Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a convenient way to reach the GLBT Historical Society Museum. From downtown San Francisco, a taxi or ride-share to the Castro District will typically cost between $15 and $25, depending on traffic and distance. Taxi fares in San Francisco start at $4.15 for the first one-fifth of a mile, with an additional $0.65 for each additional one-fifth of a mile. Note that fares may be 150% of the metered rate for trips exceeding 15 miles outside the city limits.

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Discover more about GLBT Historical Society Museum

The GLBT Historical Society Museum, often called San Francisco's "queer Smithsonian," is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and communities. Founded in 1985, the GLBT Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of archival materials, artifacts, and graphic arts, with a focus on San Francisco and Northern California. The museum itself, opened in January 2011, is located in the Castro District, a historic hub of LGBTQ+ activism and culture. Within its 1,600-square-foot space, visitors can explore two historical galleries that host a range of exhibitions. The museum's exhibits cover a wide array of topics, from the early struggles for LGBTQ+ rights to the vibrant artistic and cultural expressions of the community. The GLBT Historical Society also offers guided tours led by trained volunteer docents, providing deeper insights into the exhibits and the history they represent. The museum is recognized as a vital center for exhibitions, programming, research, and the production of oral histories, solidifying its role as a key institution in the preservation and understanding of LGBTQ+ history. In addition to its exhibitions, the GLBT Historical Society houses a research center with thousands of items in its archives. These archives include personal letters, photographs, published pieces, and films, offering a comprehensive look into the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

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