In a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ history, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center (SNMVC) is set to open its doors on June 28, 2024. Located at 51 Christopher Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village, this 2,100-square-foot center commemorates the pivotal Stonewall riots of June 1969. Here’s a closer look at what visitors can expect:
The Uprising and Its Legacy
Fifty-five years ago, the streets of downtown Manhattan witnessed an uprising that would forever alter the course of the modern gay rights movement. The Stonewall Inn, a historic bar, became the epicenter of resistance as LGBTQIA+ individuals fought back against police raids and discrimination. The riots that ensued marked a turning point, igniting a global movement for equality.
A Multifaceted Learning Experience
As visitors step into the SNMVC, they’ll immerse themselves in LGBTQIA+ history and culture. Here’s what awaits them:
- Exhibitions and Artifacts: Curated by LGBTQ activist Mark Segal, the center’s art exhibition features replicas of the original bar’s jukebox. Rotating displays by LGBTQ youths and allies, in collaboration with the Parsons School of Design, add vibrancy to the space.
- Educational Programs: From in-person tours to virtual experiences, the SNMVC offers diverse programs. Informative lecture series and captivating exhibitions ensure that visitors engage with the legacy of Stonewall.
- Theater Space: A dedicated theater area will host screenings, discussions, and performances, fostering dialogue and reflection.
- Inspiring Visual Arts: Throughout the center, visual artworks celebrate resilience, activism, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
A Free and Inclusive Space
Admission to the SNMVC is free, thanks to corporate donations from Google, Amazon, AARP, JPMorgan Chase, and Comcast NBCUniversal. Visitors of all ages are welcome, and the center serves as an educational resource for generations to come.
