GLBT Historical Society Museum

449 reviews

4127 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

www.glbthistory.org

+14157775455

About

GLBT Historical Society Museum is a Museum located at 4127 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114. It has received 449 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday11AM-5PM
Tuesday11AM-5PM
Wednesday11AM-5PM
Thursday11AM-5PM
FridayClosed
Saturday11AM-5PM
Sunday11AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of GLBT Historical Society Museum: 4127 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

  • GLBT Historical Society Museum has 4.6 stars from 449 reviews

  • Museum

  • "it is basically just one small room, but if you really read and engage with all the material, you can easily spend 1-2 hours here"

    "The San Francisco GLBT History Museum, a space that ought to stand as a beacon of progressivism and inclusion, disappointingly misses the mark with its ill-conceived mandate for disposable face coverings when there isn't even an ongoing pandemic"

    "While smaller than I expected, this museum was very moving and informational"

    "This Museum isn't what I was expecting it to be"

    "This little museum brought me so much joy as a queer, trans person"

Reviews

  • Chelsea Chamroeun

it is basically just one small room, but if you really read and engage with all the material, you can easily spend 1-2 hours here. they have a small amount of merch available as well. i enjoyed that the AAPI exhibit had a small tidbit of representation for hapas in one interview! (hard enough to find that in asian spaces, let alone queer asian spaces). cons: - there was not much context for many of the images/items. they might name the person or the event, but no story behind it! i wanna know more! - MASSIVE downside and disappointment... there was an image of someone who played in MINSTREL SHOWS. i did a triple take. HUH??? of all the millions of queer people to celebrate in the world, why on earth would you include this one?!? i realllly hope I'm missing some context that somehow makes this ok, but like i said, most pictures had no back story included - i don't mind, since it benefits the historical society, but i did think $10 for such a small museum was a little much.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Derrick

The San Francisco GLBT History Museum, a space that ought to stand as a beacon of progressivism and inclusion, disappointingly misses the mark with its ill-conceived mandate for disposable face coverings when there isn't even an ongoing pandemic. In an era where climate justice and sustainability should be intertwined with social advocacy, their policy is not only environmentally negligent but tone-deaf to the intersectionality that's vital in today's social justice movements. Disposable masks contribute to the growing problem of waste and pollution, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. This mandate disregards both the environmental and social implications of such unnecessary waste, creating a glaring inconsistency between the museum's mission and its practices. It's deeply problematic for an institution committed to documenting the struggles and triumphs of the GLBT community to so casually disregard another critical aspect of modern justice.

  • Adira Benner-Cuasay

While smaller than I expected, this museum was very moving and informational. They did a beautiful job of capturing many pivotal moments in the LGBTQIA+'s history. Also, they offer very affordable merchandise for you to express your pride no matter what your budget. I even brought my family, some of which are younger children, and they still found a way to enjoy it! They even bought some pins (pins $1.50 each)! Very friendly employees as well!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • John Lopez

This Museum isn't what I was expecting it to be. I was expecting a larger exhibition, more history displays. None of the memorabilia "wow'd" me in any way. It was very cheesy to say the least. I paid $10 to enter and I was done in less than 5 minutes, it's that small. The Harvey Milk memorial display at SFO terminal 1 is 100 times better and much more appealing to the eye than this place. This was kind of an embarrassment to the LGBT community. Our history at a huge gay district is worth MORE than this.

  • Isabella Doran

This little museum brought me so much joy as a queer, trans person. It was a positive yet also emotional experience learning about the history of LGBTQ+ people of San Francisco. I would 100% recommend this place to anyone who is wanting to learn and connect with the history of our community. Plus the staff member present was so lovely and informative.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Jeremy Lambert

This little museum had some interesting content but overall there was not much to see. It was mostly static text and a few pictures and memorabilia. The first pride flag was present but it could do with being spread out. And there wasn't much about about Harvey Milk. A temporary exhibition created with an Irish LGBT association was actually quite interesting. I don't think it's worth the 10dollars, unless you see it as a donation.

  • Kay Bee

This is a hidden gem! The museum is small but full of surprises. There are items covering the history of LGBTQ from the early days of the West to the present. I learned about this museum when I went to the HRC (Human Rights Commission) store on Castro and 19th. If you buy something at the HRC, you get a $2 discount on the $5 entrance fee at this museum. I've gone back and took friends who were also pleasantly surprised.

  • Richard Street

A compact but very interesting history of GLBT life. There are so many brave individuals and groups who have fought hard for our rights over the years and I am grateful that this important heritage is being captured and documented.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Kristopher Kaun

Felt very welcome and appreciated by the 2 gentlemen that operated the museum; one was from WI, as I and my partner are. To see the display involving Harvey Milk was, for me, emotional; I hold him in high respect. Aside from that, there were great souvenirs to purchase, which I definitely looked at and bought a couple. So glad we went in!!

  • Edwin Jaquez

The museum is small, but considering the topic and the items being exhibited the museum does a great job at educating and sparking a little bit of curiosity once you're done. There's a bit of a diverse collection, ranging from sub-scenes and lesbian literature, to even Gay people in government. A must do while visiting the Castro area.

  • Rebeca Garcia-Gonzalez

Informative, welcoming and updated. Not your average LGBTQI stuffy museum. We went in with my nibling during the free day and enjoyed the various exhibits in a safe environment. They were open on a Sunday, a big plus.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

  • Erivan

It’s a very small space, but a great way to learn about Harvey Milk and the history of the community. It's the first full scale, stand alone museum dedicated to the history of this community. The museum has a number of permanent exhibits as well as interesting traveling exhibits. Open every day, admission is $5 per person.

  • Steph A.

A cozy, heartfelt museum. Very pleasant staff who were happy to chat with me about queer history and the experiences of locals in San Francisco. Has a nice gift shop, too. Would recommend this place to anyone interested in queer history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Craig Persiko

An amazing variety of history and personal stories packed into a small museum. Very well put together. I brought a young adult friend who read almost everything with interest, and stayed for about an hour. Well worth the visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Charlie Ward

so powerful. the space is so inviting, and the size of the collection, while small to some, really emphasizes the importance of archiving lgbtqi histories. the people who work here are also very lovely. definitely recommend!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Christopher Renzullo

A great little museum in the Castro about LGBTQ+ History. The centerpiece of the museum is a large piece of the original 1978 Rainbow Pride Flag. Definitely worth a visit! ️‍
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Brandon Elkert

The exhibits do a great job of explaining their historical significance. A powerful experience that will give you all sorts of feelings. Mask and vaccination card currently required.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • 0utskrrts Party

Very small museum packed with loads of information. I ended up joining a tour with a group of middle school age kids( which they asked a lot of very good questions) and learned a lot about the museum, San Francisco's history and history in the lgbtq+ community. Great place for a quick or long visit.

  • Kristy C

Very tiny little museum, with really just one exhibit room, but still cool to pop in and see some queer historical artifacts and learn something about the history of SF's Castro district and surrounding areas.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Colin Ringie

I was surprised at how much info they packed into the small footprint. Well worth the $5, as long as you're the sort that will take the time to walk slowly and read everything. If you are the sort who likes to look at exhibits, but not read the plaques, you might not see the value here.

  • Wendy Chadwick

As an ally of my kids, this experience opened my eyes and allowed me to learn about struggles experienced. Will go back the next time we are in the City.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Daniel Juschus

Very small museum (one room) with collection of items and some information about the city's LGBT history. Could be a bit bigger though for the price, for instance it could be interesting to explain more about why and how San Francisco became this way. Also, there is no bathroom.

  • Gina Wilajo

I visitied with a friend a couple weeks ago and we really liked it. The place is really small, that's true but the its size it's relative to its price (free for students and 5 dollars for adults). If you ever go to Castro district, I'll recommend you to take a look at the place.

  • Tori Bowler

It’s a great little museum with insight into San Francisco’s queer history. I wish the museum was bigger though, it leaves you wanting for more.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Jeremy Creigh Estrada

It's a wonderful museum full of a lot of culture wonderful art beautiful people. There's always something going on in the Castro. It's a great museum to come and check out you should give yourself about a good 45 minutes to an hour. Super friendly staff and hot.

  • abby ko

This small museum packs a punch. The interpretation and variety of objects effectively tells the story of GLBT life and activism in the area.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Jessica B.

It's on the small side, but very interesting for what it is. Interviews, documentary clips, and interesting pieces to look at and read about. A bit pricy at 10 bucks for an adult admission for just one room of stuff, but it's worth checking out at least once.

  • Célia

I loved that museum. It's a very small permanent exhibit room but amazingly well-organised. They have an awesome archive collection to draw from, the texts are easy to read and I learnt a lot. It was also all quite moving. I definitely recommend this stop.

  • L U

First Wednesday of month is free. Small but nice GLBT museum in Castro. Must visit if nearby. Mask was compulsory and covid 19 vaccine proof was also asked to enter.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Luke Spindler

Small, but perfectly formed story of queer San Francisco. Informative and moving, with friendly volunteers. You can also get a discount if you shop at the Human Rights Campaign shop beforehand (if you don't throw away the receipt like I did, that is)

  • Uglarinn Frost

This place was interesting, to be sure. Small, but informative and the cover charge is only $10. It really gives you a good scope of the LGBT community in Castro, as well as the Tenderloin and SF in general. They also have a very small gift shop.

  • Catherine Bond-Harris

The friendliest welcome I have ever had to a museum. It's small but perfectly formed, really interesting and good changing exhibits at the front. Great place.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Hugo Magadan

An amazing museum which allows you to deepen you knowledge about GLBT history and Harvey Milks life. If you can join one of the guided tours, that way you will even get inside stories and information about how being GLBT was back in the day

  • Maija Cruz

Powerful, inspiring, and deeply needed space to archive and celebrate the great strides our LGBTQ and Two-Spirit brothers and sisters have made in their fight for visibility, acceptance, rights, and equality. I went for the current Angela

  • Jebus Jones

Really interesting displays and a more than reasonable entry price of $5. I found a few of the plaques a little hard to read, however I am short sighted, have astygmatism, am red/green colour blind, and was slightly hungover - so that was

  • Ray McPherson

This small museum does not look like it packs a punch, but it does. Although it is essentially one room and a hall, it has a fairly comprehensive history of the GLBT+ movement for acceptance with many artifacts and interactive displays.

  • Am

The best part about this place for me is the huge video display in the front that shares gay history with the community. I really enjoy stopping by the front window and learning about the past for a few minutes when I walk by.

  • Paco Fernandez

I did not like it ! Most biust information...fabricated not historical just their opinions with out thrust I don't recommend it
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Maria Escorcio

Four stars only because it is sooooo small. There is great information, videos and photos. Small gift shop with postcards to t-shirts. The staff is very friendly and helpful. For $5 it's a must see in the Castro!!

  • Kelly Colwell

This museum is a little gem tucked into the Castro. Beautiful exhibits. It's small, so don't plan for more than an hour. And there are no restrooms. But it's really an important space and everyone should visit.

  • Chari Grant

Very small but well-curated museum that packs a lot of information into a tight space. Docent we spoke to was very friendly and knowledgeable. We found the Harvey Milk display to be particularly moving.

  • Rick Fortner

It is worth your time! Very small and concise, and still worth it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Dru Axelsen

So much history of one of America's great civil rights struggles. The Harvey Milk exhibit sparks some deep and difficult emotions
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Sean

Interesting read, and they have the original pride flag!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

  • Shane Fraser

The historical importance of the information and artifacts presented made this a must stop for anyone. I would highly recommend taking the time to visit, listen, and learn.

  • Nina M

Had a chance to attend an event on transgender activism in August '18 in this muesuem. Lovely staff + amazing, most brave, inspiring panelists!

  • Jackson Wade

So much fun! Learned lots! Was expecting it to be larger but I was still having an excellent time! Definitely recommend if you’re in the area!

  • MOT Mark

Great place with a wonderful exhibition. If you're in the San Francisco area visit this place and get a piece of #LGBTQ history.

  • A M

Very small for a museum, but well curated. Particularly powerful is the suit Harvey Milk was assassinated in.

  • Steven Lewis

Very well done, small exhibit on important LGBT history in the Bay Area. Worth the visit

  • DLT G

A visit to the museum is a must when you are in the neighborhood
Wait time…
More

  • Debbie Cusic

Small but packed with history. The first rainbow flag. So much to learn and celebrate.

  • April Martin Chartrand, M.S.

They have our project archived there. 'Bay area women of color photo project'

  • Nicu B.

A unic experience going to visit. An Amaizing time going to Gastro area. ❤

  • Javier X

It is kinda small but free and it has interesting pieces of our history

  • Peter Armstrong

Amazing place. Glad our history is being preserved.

  • Sally Durio

Very small but a lot of great information.

  • Derik Judd

Too much drama. They need a calmer staff❤️

  • Omar Koussa

It was small but had some great exhibits.

  • K vK

The lesbian comic exhibit was cool

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