When President Obama recognized Stonewall National Monument as part of the National Park Service in 2016, the entire block on Christopher Street between 7th Avenue and Waverly Place became the first official National Park Service unit dedicated to telling the story of LGBTQIA+ Americans. In June of 2024, a Visitor Center opened up adjacent to the Stonewall Inn, and I got a reservation (free; recommended but walk ins are also welcomed) and checked out this new addition to the many places we can go in New York City to learn about our past and think about our present and future.

The park outside the Stonewall Inn has exhibits that are changed over time. Currently on display is “Stonewall Forever: A Living Monument to 50 Years of Pride.”

The Stonewall Inn still exists as a place to go in and have a drink. They also have entertainment in the evenings, with bingo, a piano bar, the Eight Ball Lounge (there is a pool table), and Saturday night dance parties. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center is right next door. In 1969, Stonewall Inn occupied both 51 and 53 Christopher Place, but more recently it has only occupied 53 Christopher, with various businesses using the space at 51 Christopher. With the Visitor Center now in 51 Christopher, the original footprint of Stonewall is again intact.

You can reserve free tickets in advance, but walk in visitors are also welcomed. In 1969, the bar was where the merchandise is now; the dance floor was in the back where there is a short video playing.

The visitor center is not large, but it does a good job of explaining the history behind the uprising in 1969. A juke box is an exact replica (with the music available then) of one trashed during the uprising.

There are interactive elements as well, like these empty journals with prompts for you to fill out if you would like your voice added to the story.

In the back of the visitor center, there is a short film shown, and the corporate sponsors who helped make the visitor center a reality are thanked.

There is, of course, merch! And as you can see, those working here wear the uniform of someone working for the National Park Service.

A reviewer for the NY Times criticized the newly opened Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center for delivering an overly optimistic view of how LGBTQIA+ rights have progressed since the uprising at Stonewall Inn in 1969. I get that, and this center does not pack the emotional depth of a visit to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama – which I have also visited. Still, I personally found going to the Visitor Center to be a valuable experience, and one that I would recommend. While there is still significant work to be done to ensure equal opportunities for all, it is also important to remember the events in June 1969 which were the beginning of positive progress for LGBTQIA+ rights.