Schwules Museum, Berlin

The Schwules Museum tells the story of the LGBT+ movement in Berlin and also features rotating exhibitions on feminism and queers in other countries

The LGBT+ community has a long history in Berlin. It dates back to the late 19th century, while the modern movement really took hold in Berlin following the Stonewall riots in the 1970s. Delve into this history at the Schwules Museum.

The Schwules Museum is located in the Tiergarten district, not far from Regenbogenkiez. It is the world’s first museum dedicated to gay history and art related to the LGBT+ community.

The museum itself isn’t very large, but it has been in operation for over 40 years and has a vast archive documenting queer life in Berlin for over 100 years.

First part of Schwules Museum.
A selection from the historical exhibition.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@flickr. CC BY-SA.

The first section of the museum is dedicated to Berlin’s LGBT+ history. The exhibition combines artistic displays with photographs, newspaper clippings, and audio recordings.

Among other things, it highlights historical figures and the first Christopher Street Day, which is Berlin’s Pride event.

Further inside the Schwules Museum, there are rotating exhibitions featuring photography and art that focus on topics such as feminism and what it means to be queer in countries at war.

Schwules Museum, Petra Gall.
An exhibition of photographs by Petra Gall featuring lesbians and women in general in Berlin.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@flickr. CC BY-SA.

Even the museum restroom is an exhibit. The stickers on the walls are a clear statement of support for the queer community, gender diversity, and inclusion.

But don’t spend too much time in there if there’s a line. The restroom isn’t very big.

The restroom at Schwules Museum.
Queer activism at the restroom.
Photo by Chrissie Sternschnuppe@flickr. CC BY-SA.

The Schwules Museum is open most afternoons. Admission is relatively inexpensive. To access the archives and library, please contact the museum in advance.

Be sure to check out the Schwules Museum website for information on current exhibitions, continuing education, and access to the archives.

Schwules Museum, Berlin

Location:
Lützowstraße 73
10785 Berlin

Calculating distance…

Family friendly: Kind of
Price: Admission may apply

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