Philadelphia is set to open one of the United States’ first dedicated LGBTQ+ visitor centres. The Philly Pride Visitor Center, scheduled to launch in January 2026, will be located in the heart of the city’s historic Gaybourhood at 12th and Locust Streets.

The initiative, led by Visit Philadelphia in partnership with the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, Visit PA and Philadelphia Gay News, aims to provide a welcoming gateway for LGBTQ+ travellers. The centre will offer itinerary planning, ticketing services, travel advice, and a curated selection of souvenirs from queer-owned businesses. It will also serve as a hub for discovering affirming destinations and cultural institutions across both the city and the wider Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Beyond its practical offerings, the centre will feature exhibits celebrating Philadelphia’s rich LGBTQ+ history, including pivotal moments such as the first LGBTQ+ sit-in at Dewey’s restaurant in 1965 and the Annual Reminders demonstrations at Independence Hall from 1965 to 1969. These historical elements have been curated with community input, notably from Mark Segal, founder of Philadelphia Gay News, who remarked, “Philadelphia proudly honours its legacy and reaffirms its commitment to those who call this community home”.

Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, emphasised the centre’s significance: “This new centre gives visitors and residents a place to connect with Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history, discover affirming businesses and see how this city helped shape a national movement. It is both a resource hub and a testament to Philadelphia’s role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights”. 

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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