2 LGBTQ+ Landmarks & Heritage Sites in Philadelphia, PA

Soft light filters through plain glass windows into the 1804 brick meeting house, a space that quietly holds centuries of activism. This National Historic Landmark served as the gathering point for hundreds of activists organizing the 1979 March on Washington for LGBTQ+ rights. It remains an active Quaker place of worship and a museum on land deeded by William Penn as a burial ground. Over 20,000 people are interred on the grounds, including victims of the 1793 yellow fever epidemic. Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 4pm, you can step inside to learn about the people and events tied to this site. It's family-friendly and welcomes all ages and orientations. If you're exploring Old City, the Philadelphia Rainbow Crosswalk is nearby and worth a stop.

This isn't a bar or a club. It's a rainbow crosswalk at 13th and Locust streets, a permanent piece of public art in Philadelphia's Gayborhood. Painted to visibly support the city's LGBTQ+ community, it's one of the most photographed spots in the city. The crosswalk adds a splash of color to the streetscape and serves as a symbol of pride and inclusion. The crosswalk is free to view and accessible any time. It's a quick stop best combined with a walk through the Gayborhood. If you're exploring nearby, the Arch Street Meeting House offers another piece of Philadelphia history just a short walk away.