Visitors to Philadelphia can visit a new attraction that shares the impactful stories of its LGBTQ+ history.
Located at the corner of 12th & Locust Streets in the heart of the city’s Gayborhood, the Philly Pride Visitor Centre celebrates Philadelphia’s legacy as one of the nation’s most inclusive destinations as the it prepares for the 250th anniversary of the USA.
It is intended as a gateway to LGBTQ+-friendly experiences across the Philadelphia region and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It offers comprehensive visitor services, including itinerary planning, attraction ticketing and travel information, with a special focus on LGBTQ+-affirming destinations, businesses and cultural institutions.
The nation’s first LGBTQ+ civil rights sit-in took place in Philadelphia at Dewey’s Restaurant in 1965, and the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall were among the earliest public demonstrations for gay rights in the U.S. The new centre also acts as a starting point to learn about the powerful and ongoing story of Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ community.
“The Philadelphia Visitor Centre team is the city’s welcoming committee, and that means opening our doors widely for both visitors and residents. We want to ensure every visitor feels an authentic sense of belonging from the moment they arrive,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the centre.
“We are thrilled to open the Philly Pride Visitor centre as a dedicated starting point for LGBTQ+ visitors to celebrate who they are while getting visitor services, trusted resources and inspiration to help them experience Philadelphia at its very best.”
“Philadelphia has always been a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ history,” commented Mark Segal, founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News.
“Our city helped launch the fight for representation in the media, shaped national policy and created safe, visible spaces for our community. Now, with the opening of the Philly Pride Visitor Centre, Philadelphia proudly honours that legacy and reaffirms its commitment to those who call this community home.”
Philadelphia expects record visitation in 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S., major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game and golf’s PGA Championship, and cultural programming like the inaugural city-wide ArtPhilly festival.
