The UK’s First LGBTQ+ Museum: Queer Britain Announced Elton John and David Furnish as Patrons, Plus Upcoming Exhibitions for the Year
Opened in 2022, Queer Britain is the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum. The museum’s mission is to “reclaim and preserve queer people’s stories and objects and inspire celebrating and educating about LGBTQ+ lives, impact and culture.”
Queer Britain recently announced their new patrons: Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, and upcoming new exhibitions for the year.
@urbanadventurerldn Queer day out in London🏳️🌈 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Opened in 2022, @Queer Britain is the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum 🏳️🌈 The museum’s mission is to “reclaim and preserve queer people’s stories and objects and inspire celebrating and educating about LGBTQ+ lives, impact and culture.” 🌈 Queer Britain recently announced their new patrons: Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, and upcoming new exhibitions for the year 🔗 More info & exhibitions in bio #queertiktok #dayoutinlondon #dayoutwithfriends #queerbritain #lgbtqtiktok #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtqi #CapCut #eltonjohn #jimmysomerville
Elton John and David Furnish as Patrons of Queer Britain
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
On the 25th March 2025, Queer Britain proudly announced on their Instagram channel that legendary musician and philanthropist, Elton John and his husband, film producer and Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, David Furnish, have become patrons of the museum.
Elton John and David Furbish said: “A lot of the UK’s LGBTQ+ history is unseen and unheard or has been purposefully hidden away. It’s wonderful to now have a UK museum dedicated to preserving and reclaiming LGBTQ+ history while inspiring future generations. It’s a museum for everyone—to learn, understand, and embrace what it means to be LGBTQ+ today. We are both delighted to support Queer Britain as Patrons.”
Elton John and Brandi Carlile: ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ bundle, containing a signed art poster, CD and a limited-edition cassette
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Elton John’s New Album: ‘Who Believes in Angels?’ with Brandi Carlile is now out and available in his official website with limited-edition exclusive signed art card.
Running and Upcoming Exhibitions at Queer Britain
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Queer Britain announced their special exhibitions for 2025.
There will be multiple special exhibitions throughout the year, starting with Jimmy Somerville and Bronski Beat from 12th March to 25th May 2025.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This exhibition showcases new donated objects by Jimmy Somerville in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Bronski Beat’s seminal album: ‘Age of Consent’.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Jimmy Somerville kindly donated ACT-UP campaign T-shirts, a customised Levi’s jacket with typed lyrics on the back and promotional posters for their hit, ‘Smalltown Boy’ to the museum. The song was included in Rolling Stone magazine last year as one of the top fifty protest songs of all time.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Visitors also have the opportunity to view a powerful reimaged video for Bronski Beat’s seminal LGBTQ+ anthem: ‘Why?’ (2024) directed by Matt Lambert.
Jimmy Somerville, musician and activist, said: “This isn’t about me. It’s about a time and place and the politics and life as a gay man. Time passed and so did laws and attitudes. Fast forward and here we are today a time full of hate, discrimination and the rolling back of laws and attitudes, in some places I never dreamed it could happen. So today, like back in the day, take nothing for granted and be visible and be loud …. WE’RE HERE, WE’RE QUEER…GET OVER IT!!!”
Other exhibitions and events at Queer Britain
20 Years of Black Pride (4th June – 31st Aug)
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
In partnership with UK Black Pride and their founder, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah (Lady Phyll), Queer Britain will explore the evolution of Black Pride from a small gathering of people with African, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle Eastern descent to the world’s largest LGBTQI+ movement.
Terry Higgins Memorial Quilt (11th – 16th June)
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Terry Higgins was the first named person to die of AIDS in the UK. The Terrence Higgins Trust was founded in his memory in 1982.
Since then, the trust has played a pivotal role in HIV and sexual health campaigning. Through their work the Terrence Higgins Trust continue to support those affected and raise awareness of sexual health issues.
The Terry Higgins Memorial Quilt features eight different panels, each representing different elements of Terry’s life, based on stories and tributes from those who knew and loved Terry. Sewn together, each individual panel forms a giant trust’s heart emblem.
The quilt will be on display at The Fitzrovia Chapel from 8th – 17th May before moving to Queer Britain in June. The entry is free, no ticket required.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “For many years at Terrence Higgins Trust we worked in the name of Terry but without fully telling his story. This quilt is a literal rich tapestry of his life. It speaks to the experiences of so many queer people, from growing up in a small town, to finding his identity through friendship, community, work and music. I hope those who visit will see something of themselves in Terry’s story, and understand the ways so many of us have benefited from his legacy. When Terry died there wasn’t even a test for HIV, let alone any treatment. Now we have the opportunity to end the epidemic in the UK by 2030. We owe it to Terry and everyone we lost to turn that goal into reality.”
TOP by Claye Bowler (10th Sep – 23rd Nov)
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Following its debut at the Henry Moore Institute, Leeds in 2022, Queer Britain is proud to bring this deeply personal exhibition to its visitors this Autumn.
The exhibition follows Claye Bowler on their seven years journey through the UK’s healthcare system to obtain a top surgery (an operation to remove chest or breast tissue).
Drawings, films, photographs, letters and sculptures will be on display to document Claye’s journey from their first visit to the GP to the recovery after the surgery.
The exhibition is made possible thanks to the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and is supported by The Wellcome Collection and the Arts Council Collection.
Claye Bowler, artist, said: “When creating Top, I initially thought it was about dysphoria, but through sharing it and engaging with visitors during its first showing, I realised it’s actually a celebration of being trans and overcoming struggle. I’m excited to share the work again with Queer Britain visitors, allowing people to experience this joy again. The work also comments on queerness in a museum context, of the purpose of museums, and of collecting objects. As the first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ stories, Queer Britain offers the perfect context for this work to resonate and question these ideas.”
Queer Britain’s newly appointed Museum Director, Andrew Given (formerly of English National Opera) says, Queer Britain is entering an exciting new chapter.
“Walking through our galleries never fails to inspire, as I see the record of activism and change that our community has achieved. But there are so many stories yet to be told. That’s why we are delighted to announce this exciting programme of exhibitions —ensuring that Queer Britain continues to be a vital space for all LGBTQ+ stories.” – Andrew Given explains.
About Queer Britain
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Britain is the UK’s National LGBTQ+ museum and a registered charity.
Their exhibitions include a permanent collection, called ‘We are Britain’ and a series of temporary exhibitions.
The permanent collection highlights:
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hand-written letter by Sir Elton John to his 16-year-old self. Elton John wrote that letter in 2009 to encourage his young self to be proud of who he was and live his life to the fullest.
The letter says: “You are ‘queer’…Be proud of who you are, and as you get older and wiser, fight for gay rights…in certain countries we are still not treated as equals…Stand up for every human being’s rights. Be loving, be kind and strong…You’re going to have a hell of a life!!”
Photo: Urban Adventurer
A photo of Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman (20th February 1988) protesting against Clause 28 of the Local Government Act, banning ‘promotion’ of homosexuality.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
A rainbow cape worn by singer and actor Olly Alexander at Glastonbury in 2016. He made his powerful speech saying: “say ‘no thank you fear’…literally shove a rainbow in fear’s face … Sometimes I’m afraid but I’m never ashamed…I am proud of who I am.”
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Vivienne Westwood limited-edition T-shirt, featuring a vulva. There are only 125 T-shirt exist in the world and this one on display at Queen Britain is 1/125. The shirt was originally purchased by Stonewall’s co-founder, Lisa Power, as she “wanted to have the number one cunt”.
How to Support Queer Britain
As a charity, Queer Britain depends on the generosity of their supporters. Such brands and organisations support the museum like Universal Music Group, Levi’s, Arts Council England, Diaego, V&A, Museum of London, Tate, Science Museum, British Library and the list goes on.
You can join Elton John and David Furnish as a patron by joining the museum’s patron program. With the help of patrons, Queer Britain can ensure that the museum can work continuously, remain free to visitors and able to widen their collections.
By joining the Queer Britain Community, anyone can support the museum starting as little as £10 a month, depending on your budget. In return, you’ll get free admission to the museum at all times, 10% discount at the museum shop, invitation to members-only events and more!
You can also choose to make a donation online. Simply choose if you wish to make a one-off, monthy or quarterly donation, and whether you’d like to remain anonymous.
Pay-what-you-can donation can be offered while booking a ticket to the museum. General admission to the museum is free but you can choose a £10 donation or a pay-what-you-can donation to support the museum.
Queer Britain Museum Shop
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Britain has a lovely little shop. Make sure you visit it after your museum tour because there are lots of amazing products available from exclusive postcards, pin badges, T-shirts, tote bags, books and much more!
The shop also supports queer artists by selling their stylish hand-made products.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Conscious Euphoria for example is a brand by artist Ocean (he/they) who takes inspiration from classic Greek torsos for their delicate candles and jewellery.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Rejka is a brand by Czechoslovak artist, print maker and zine maker, Andreas L. (he/him). Andreas L. is a gay trans man whose works focus on transmasculinity and is often inspired by historical art and mythology.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Brewing is a trans-owned business, founded in 2019. Their core range of Witbier, Pilsner, Pale Ale and an IPA have raised thousands for charity. Queer Brewing drinks are available at Queer Britain’s physical shop.
Practical Info
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Address
Queer Britain | 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH
(Between Waitrose and the Central Saint Martin’s building. The public entrance is on the Waitrose side of the building)
Opening Times
Wed – Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Mon & Tue: CLOSED
Tickets
FREE entry with optional donation
Ready for your next adventure? If you’re a K-pop fan, this one is for you! New K-pop playground opened near Piccadilly Circus station. It includes a store (tons of merch and K-beauty), Korean photo booth, Korean beauty treatment on the spot, K-karaoke and more.