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LGBTQ+ charity Queer Britain will open the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum in London with support from Art Fund
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 03 Feb 2022
Queer Britain will be the first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history in the UK Credit: Canva
The UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum is gearing up to open in London in the spring.
The museum, called Queer Britain, will be run by the LGBTQ+ charity of the same name and is supported by Art Fund, a UK-based arts charity, which is providing the space for the venture.
Queer Britain will be located at 2 Granary Square in London’s King’s Cross, in Art Fund-owned premises on the ground floor, replacing previous tenants The House of Illustration. The charity agreed to an initial tenancy of two years, starting last month.
Details of the museum’s programming have yet to be released, however, once open, it will include four galleries, a workshop, an education space, a gift shop and offices for Queer Britain personnel.
In the spirit of inclusivity, the museum will be free to the public, with its work supported by donations. The venue will also have ramp and lift access.
Founded in 2018, Queer Britain has garnered support from brands such as Levi’s, M&C Saatchi and Allen & Overy, and has hosted online events with the likes of Russell T. Davies, the celebrated screenwriter behind the 2021 hit show It’s a Sin, and Labour MP Chris Bryant.
Opening a museum has been a longtime goal for the organisation, which currently houses its archives at the Bishopsgate Institute in the City of London, where it can be accessed by members of the public and academics by appointment.
Commenting on the museum, Art Fund director Jenny Waldman said the prospect was ‘exciting’ and ‘warmly supported’ by the charity’s trustees.
Anjum Mouj, Queer Britain trustee and board member of Imaan Muslim LGBTQI group added: “The UK is finally getting the LGBTQ+ museum it deserves, to reflect and celebrate all our exciting and wildly diverse communities, whatever their sexualities, gender identities, backgrounds, ability or heritage. Community lives in unity.”
Museums and galleries
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