Who we are
The Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture stands as a cornerstone and innovative institution, dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse history of the LGBTQ+ movement in Boston, across Massachusetts and throughout New England.
Our commitment extends beyond mere representation; we are driven by a profound dedication to social justice values that inform every facet of our work. We are a group of dedicated individuals committed to providing platforms for LGBTQ+ artists to showcase their talents, thereby contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Boston and beyond.
Through curated exhibitions and dynamic educational programs, we endeavor to illuminate the often-overlooked narratives, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. By fostering a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ history, we seek to foster empathy, promote visibility, and champion inclusivity. Our aim is to cultivate a vibrant queer culture within the Greater Boston area, across Massachusetts, and throughout New England, creating an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and celebrated.
Our official launch was marked by two exhibits: “Unbound Love” a tribute to two decades of Marriage Equality was installed inside the Massachusetts State House and “Portraits of Pride” stood 10” tall on Sea Green Park in Sea Green Park. And our sold-out Portraits of Pride Ball benefit gala, brought Boston’s top industry leaders, activists, artists and philanthropists together for festive award ceremony, dinner and dance at the Hynes Convention Center and raise thousands of dollars to support our mission and programs.
In June 2024, we inaugurated our first physical gallery space - The Pryde, located in Hyde Park, MA, in collaboration with the LGBTQ Senior Housing. We are on our way to revolutionize LGBTQ+ artistry with more thought-provoking programming and exhibits.
What we do
We Curate Engaging Exhibitions: We research, select, and design captivating exhibitions that highlight significant moments, figures, and themes within LGBTQ+ history and culture for diverse audiences.
We Facilitate Educational Programs: We offer a diverse range of educational programs and lectures aimed at deepening understanding and fostering dialogue around LGBTQ+ issues, history, and identity.
We Preserve Historical Artifacts & works of art: Through policies and guidelines set by our Queer Arts Taskforce. We are building a rich collection that includes historical artifacts, works of art, documents, and memorabilia related to the LGBTQ+ movement, ensuring not just their preservation for future generations but also making them available for public view and engagement.
We Host Community Events: We organize and host a variety of community events, including film screenings, panel discussions, and cultural celebrations, providing spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals, artists, creatives and allies to come together, share stories, and build connections.
We Collaborate with Partners: We collaborate with organizations and corporate partners to amplify our impact and reach. We foster partnerships that help enhance our programming, broaden our audience, and promote LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy in the broader community.
We foster Queer Artist Growth and queer artistry: Through a series of impactful initiatives, fellowships, and residency programs, we provide queer artists with resources and opportunities to grow. Our aim is to cultivate the next generation of LGBTQ+ artists, curators, art administrators, and art leaders.
Our history
Mission & Vision | Core Values & Pillars | Governance & Leadership | Staff | Theory of change
The Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History & Culture was founded on social justice ideals by a group of passionate leaders and activists who recognized that “a cultural institution dedicated to honoring the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Boston, across Massachusetts and throughout New England, needed to exist”.
Our journey began with the vision our Founder, Jean Dolin who started creating platforms and artistic projects for LGBTQ+ education, awareness, and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and contributions through exhibitions, events, and community engagement. Today, we continue to strive towards our goals of creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all visitors, offering a wide range of experiences related to LGBTQ+ art, history, and culture. Our team is dedicated to researching, collecting, conserving, interpreting, and exhibiting arts that celebrate the lives and narratives of LGBTQ+ people through arts and culture. Join us in our journey towards creating a vibrant cultural hub that fosters understanding, representation, and appreciation of queer lives and culture.