Queer Britain – London, England - Atlas Obscura
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Queer Britain

London, England

A small museum that celebrates the history and culture of the LGBTQ community in England. 

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A photo in the main room at Queer Britain. Nicky J Sims/Getty Images
A photo in the main room at Queer Britain. Nicky J Sims/Getty Images
Top-hat of Anne Lister aka “Gentleman Jack” BryanKnight (Atlas Obscura User)
Dress that belonged to Divine. BryanKnight (Atlas Obscura User)
The door of Oscar Wilde's prison cell BryanKnight (Atlas Obscura User)
Add your own identity to be seen BryanKnight (Atlas Obscura User)
Alan Turing 50 pound note SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
Outside window display SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
Leather jacket owned by Alison Bechdel, cartoonist SEANETTA (Atlas Obscura User)
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Opened in May 2022, this is the first museum in the United Kingdom solely focused on queer history. It was founded by Ian Mehrtens and Joseph Galliano in response to the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which ended the criminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales. This space was created for queer people to remember their struggles, find their communities and celebrate their success.

The collection includes the door to the prison cell of Oscar Wilde in Reading Gaol, the iconic top hat of Anne Lister aka “Gentleman Jack,” and a dress from the legendary drag performer Divine.

The museum is spread across two floors with gallery spaces, exhibition areas, and a small store. Talks, events, and new exhibitions are filled with growing enthusiastic energy and plans for the expansion of the collection.

Know Before You Go

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 12-6 p.m. Admission is free, donations are encouraged.


The closest underground station is at King's Cross. There are food stalls and vendors in the Granary next door as well.


The museum is in the same space once occupied by the The House of Illustration. It is located on the right-side of Granary Square. The nearest landmark is Waitrose Supermarket.

lgbtq museums and collections history & culture
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