Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art, has announced that Queer Britain is opening the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum at Art Fund’s building in Granary Square, London.
Queer Britain, a registered charity established in 2018, will create an inclusive museum space that celebrates the queer community’s stories, people and places. The venue will welcome everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity.
The museum will be housed on the ground floor of 2 Granary Square, part of the building owned by Art Fund. The lease starts this month, with Queer Britain aiming to open the new museum in spring 2022.
“We’re delighted to welcome Queer Britain as our new tenants,” said Jenny Waldman, Art Fund director. “Their exciting proposal for the first UK museum dedicated to exploring LGBTQ+ histories, people and ideas was warmly supported by our trustees, and we’re thrilled that our beautiful building in Granary Square will be home for the first phase of the Queer Britain museum.”
Museum located at Art Fund building
When the museum launches, it will feature four galleries, as well as a workshop, education space, gift shop and offices for the Queer Britain team. It will be fully accessible via lifts and ramps.
Entry to the destination will be free, but Queer Britain will welcome donations to support its work. The charity’s archive is currently located at the Bishopsgate Institute, accessible to the public and researchers by appointment.
“It’s time the UK had an LGBTQ+ museum, for all,” said Joseph Galliano, director and co-founder of Queer Britain. “And we are delighted to have found our first home in beautiful Granary Square with Art Fund as our first landlord. It’s a prime location accessible to swathes of the country, and in a part of town with a rich queer heritage.”
Last year, the New-York Historical Society announced plans to expand its building, creating space for New York’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Images: Art Fund
