Following its closure in mid-December, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum, Queer Britain, has reopened on the 4th February with brand new displays across its four galleries. Just in time for LGBTQ+ History Month.
[Featured image in courtesy of Queer Britain]
LGBTQ+ History Month 2026
Photo: Urban Adventurer
To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, Queer Britain’s new collection tells stories of queer life, love, protest and artistry through six different themes. The themes have been informed by visitor feedback and individual stories, maximising the museum’s ability to represent diversity in the LGBTQ+ community.
Here are the six themes:
Resist!
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Co-curated by filmmaker Veronica McKenzie and a group of community members, this theme is focusing on the story of The Black Lesbian and Gay Centre which was an integral contributor to the LGBTQ+ activism against oppression in the 1980s and 1990s.
Club Kids
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Club Kids is celebrating the alternative ways of coming together. Co-curated with Club Kali, it welcomes and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s diverse South Asian heritage.
Queer Creativity
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This theme is focusing on artistic pursuits and tells the story of the Women’s Liberation music-making movement of the 1970s and 1980s.
Founded in 1972, Spare Rib was the best-known and the longest running publication of the Women’s Liberation Movement in the UK.
This display is featuring a number of editions of the magazine from 1978 – that features Jam Today -, 1981 and 1984.
Body and Mind
Photo: Urban Adventurer
‘Body and Mind’ discusses the narrative around LGBTQ+ experiences of health, illness and disabilities. The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt is also on display as part of the largest community arts projects in history.
Live, Laugh, Love
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This theme tells stories of domesticity and relationships. It focuses on group members Lytton Strachey and Dora Carrington whose tight, loving bond included comfortably sharing boyfriends.
The World Around Us
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This theme discusses the story of the world’s first black footballer who announced that he was gay in 1990 while exploring the wider place of queer life in society.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
This display presents two footballs. One of them is signed by Justin Fashanu – the first openly gay male player in top-level football – from the 1980s.
The second is the English’s professional football’s very first rainbow match ball. It was created by EFL (English Football League) and PUMA as part of the ‘Rainbow Goals’ campaign. This football was featured in EFL Championship, League One and League Two fixtures between 16th and 24th February 2024.
There are over 200 objects on display from such organisations like the National Football Museum, the Women’s Liberation Music Archive and many private lenders.
New Exhibitions in the First Half of 2026
Photo: Urban Adventurer
In addition to the collection gallery, two new exhibitions have opened at Queer Britain.
Queer Print
4th February – 3rd May
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Print exhibition is displaying flyers, posters, magazines and more, donated by people across the UK. This exhibition is showcasing how LGBTQ+ community told their stories before the digital age.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The Pink Paper was the UK’s first LGBTQ+ newspaper. It was founded in 1987, completely ad free, and was distributed fortnightly. Due to its popularity, it later was produced weekly. The printed edition ran until 2009. From 2009 the newspaper was available online until 2012.
The Pink Paper on display is the edition from the week ending 7th July 1990 featuring Lesbian Strength and Gay Pride March. The March made its way from Embarkment all the way to Kennington Park with over 18,000 participants. That was a huge number in comparison to the first official pride march in 1972 when there were only 200 participants.
40 Years of BFI Flare
4th February – 3rd May
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Europe’s biggest queer film festival began in 1986 as a small season of films at the National Film Theatre. Its title was ‘Gay’s Own Pictures’. This exhibition is showcasing posters and charts and explores how the visual identities of the festival has evolved throughout the decades.
Or you can choose the ‘Pay what you can’ option: min. £1
How to Support Queer Britain
If you wish to support Queer Britain, you can make your donation within the museum using the donation panels provided. The staff is super friendly and always happy to help!
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New mayor exhibition opened at Queer Britain, the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum. TOP by Claye Bowler documents the artist’s 7-year journey to get his gender-affirming top surgery.
(Featured image in courtesy of Queer Britain)
TOP by Claye Bowler
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Photo Credit: Rahil Ahmad
TOP by Claye Bowler opened on the 10th September 2025 and follows Bowler’s incredible 7-year journey through the UK healthcare system from the very beginning.
The display is disguised as a museum store and documents the artist’s whole journey from his first visit to a GP, his actual surgery and stages of healing to his recovery revisions.
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Photo Credit: Rahil Ahmad
There are sculptures, drawings, photos, letters and other collected objects on display to bring Bowler’s incredible journey – and what a transformation like this means to a trans person – closer to the audience, not just physically but emotionally.
About Claye Bowler
Claye Bowler – Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Photo Credit: Rahil Ahmad
Claye Bowleris a London-based artist. He uses sculptural practices to highlight and document stories that are not historically collected, preserve meaningful memories and the remnants of humanity. He often works with narratives of queerness and disability.
Bowler has a strong connection to sound and music which he often integrates into his works using field of recording and traditional British folk music and songs.
Bowler debuted at the Henry Moore Institute in 2022, and different elements of TOP are now in the collections of Arts Council England and the Wellcome Collection.
The exhibition of his artworks is now open for everyone thanks to the Weston Loan Programme, the UK’s first funding scheme that enable smaller and regional museums to borrow artworks and artefacts from national collections.
Image in courtesy of Queer Britain
Photo Credit: Rahil Ahmad
Claye Bowler 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.”
Vistors to TOP exhibition can also see a display from the Museum of Transology, the UK’s most significant collection of objects representing trans, non-binary and intersex people’s lives.
About Queer Britain
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Britain is the UK’s one and only museum dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, their lives and their history. The museum’s mission is to reclaim and preserve queer people’s stories and objects to educate about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community today and how this community impacts our culture.
Queer Britain is an independent museum that relies of the generosity of its supporters through donations, memberships and corporate sponsorships.
Anyone can support Queer Britain by becoming a patron or through donation.
If you wish to become a patron, you can choose from different tiers (bronze, silver, gold or platinum) best suit to your budget.
You can make a donation, starting from a minimum donation of £0.30 by simply filling out the form on Queer Britain’s official website.
Another easy way to support the museum is to book a ticket and pay any amount you can at the checkout. The recommended donation is £10 but you can choose a smaller or bigger amount. It entirely depends on your budget and what you can afford.
Queer Britain is a UK registered charity (no. 1180240)
Queer Britain Shop
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Make sure you visit the cute little shop within the museum before leaving because they have an amazing selection of exclusive products and unique gifts.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Britain also supports independent artists from the LGBTQ+ community, including candle makers, painters and other artists whose incredibly unique products are being sold at the museum shop.
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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.
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 Trustwas 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
Rejkais 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 Brewingis 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.
(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
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Opened in 2022, Queer Britain is the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ Museum. The museum is dedicated to celebrating queer history, preserve artworks as well as personal stories and welcomes everyone regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.
🌈 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Queer Britain opened in May 2022 and it’s the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ museum @Queer Britain 🌈 The museum is dedicated to celebrating queer history, preserve artworks and personal stories 🌈 Queer Museum welcomes everyone regardless of their sexuality or gender identity 📍2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH 🕰️ Mon & Tue: CLOSED | Wed – Sun: 12pm – 6pm 🎟️ FREE | NO booking required #queerbritain#queertiktok#queer#queerartist#lgbtq#lgbt🌈#🏳️🌈#🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈❤️
After five years of search for a suitable site, Queer Britain finally opened the UK’s first brick and mortar LGBTQ+ museum at Granary Square next to King’s Cross Station. In their opening year (2022), they welcomed over 50,000 visitors and they also won the Museum Association’s Best Small Museum Project of the year award in the same year.
Former editor of Gay Times, Joseph Galliano came up with the idea of an LGBTQ+ museum when he visited Queer British Art exhibition at Tate Britain in 2017. He then used his extensive connections with LGBTQ+ organizations, queer activists and artists and successfully built relationships with the most significant museums, such as the Tate and M&C Saatchi to make the dream come true.
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Queer Museum opened on 5th May in 2022 and the venue is being leased by national arts charity, Art Funds.
Their award-winning exhibition, “We Are Queer Britain!”, which opened to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK’s first Pride March, is still there along with artifacts, photos and images, costumes worn by celebrities and much more to cover over 100 years of queer history.
The museum houses a number of exhibition rooms, a film room and a shop with an amazing collection of books, gifts, stationary and more.
Highlights of the Queer Museum
Hand-Written Letter by Elton John
Photo: Urban Adventurer
“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, kind and strong…You are going to have a hell of a life!!”
Elton John wrote this heart-warming letter in 2009 to his 16-year-old self. In the letter he encourages his younger self to have fun and enjoy his sexuality and never chase love, it will find him when he least expects it.
Photo of Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman at the Manchester March
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Clause 28 of the Local Government act was first proposed in 1987. The act banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality by local authorities. The act was followed by protests all over the UK. On 20th February 1988 actors Ian McKellen and Michael Cashman joined the Manchester march to protest against Clause 28.
We Are Queer Britain! Hexagon Wall
Photo: Urban Adventurer
The exhibition begins with a magnetic wall where anyone can add their personal message. Simply take a hexagonal magnet and tell the world why it is important for LGBTQ+ people to be seen. Feel free to use as much colours as you want and decorate your magnet as you like. Once you’re ready, simply place your hexagon onto the wall.
Rainbow Cape Worn by Singer and Actor Olly Alexander
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Well-known singer and actor, Olly Alexander worn this rainbow cape at Glastonbury in 2016. He said: “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.”
1980s Singer and LGBTQ+ Advocate, Hazell Dean’s Jacket
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Hazell Dean was known as Queen of Hi-NRG in gay discos in the 1980s. She was a singer and an LGBTQ+ advocate who wore this jacket for the cover of the 1984 UK top-ten hit, Searchin’.
Free Queer Library
Photo: Urban Adventurer
There is a mini library within the museum, offering books anyone can read on the spot. The books were hand-picked by the Queer Museum’s staff and by Gay’s The World, the UK’s oldest LGBT bookshop.
Queer Britain Shop
Photo: Urban Adventurer
Visitors finish their museum tour at the shop that offers tons of books, stationary, badges, keychains, Tee, colour-changing umbrella and even jewellery and bottled wine.
Ready for your next adventure? The world’s first Vagina Museum re-opened in Bethnal Green last year. The museum is devoted to bust myths and misconceptions about the female organ and regularly organise events, workshops and exhibitions. Make sure you visit Kween Kream Café whilst you’re there and try some of their cheeky cakes.
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