Philadelphia is set to unveil the Philly Pride Visitor Center in January 2026, marking one of the first dedicated hubs for LGBTQ+ travelers in the United States. The announcement was made on October 10, through a collaborative effort by the Philadelphia Visitor Center, Visit Philadelphia, and Visit PA alongside PGN.
This new center will be strategically located next to Knock Bar & Restaurant, at the intersection of 12th and Locust Streets, and aims to provide a warm welcome to LGBTQ+ visitors from across the nation and around the globe. It will serve as a resource for itinerary planning, attraction ticketing, and travel information, specifically focusing on LGBTQ+-affirming destinations, businesses, and cultural institutions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to shop a selection of souvenirs, many sourced from LGBTQ+-owned enterprises.
Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, emphasized the significance of the center in promoting inclusive tourism. “The Philly Pride Visitor Center reflects our commitment to inclusive tourism and to making sure every traveler feels seen, welcomed, and celebrated,” Val stated.
Val noted that for over two decades, efforts have been in place to show that LGBTQ+ travelers are an essential part of Philadelphia. The center will provide a critical space for both visitors and residents to connect with Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history, explore affirming businesses, and recognize the city’s significant contributions to the national movement for LGBTQ+ rights.
Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, articulated how the center represents a celebration of diversity rather than mere acceptance. “We’re building a starting point for tourists, a dedicated space for this community, and a true reflection of what our city stands for,” Lovell stated.
The center is not only focused on present-day affirmation but also on Philadelphia’s rich LGBTQ+ history. The city is renowned for various pivotal events, including the nation’s first LGBTQ+ sit-in, which took place at Dewey’s restaurant in 1965, and Independence Hall’s role in hosting the Annual Reminders, early demonstrations advocating for gay rights in the U.S.
Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of Tourism for the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, shared her perspective on the initiative. “Pennsylvania has always been a place where people come to write the next chapter of their story, and that includes our LGBTQ+ community,” Ryan remarked.
She added that the establishment of the LGBTQ+ Visitor Center symbolizes a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that LGBTQ+ travelers feel they have a place in Pennsylvania. “This space will showcase destinations across our commonwealth where LGBTQ+ travelers will find community, pride, and a warm Pennsylvania welcome,” Ryan concluded.
The center will feature historical content curated by Mark Segal, publisher of PGN, highlighting Philadelphia’s ongoing narrative in LGBTQ+ history. Segal pointed out that Philadelphia has been a trailblazer, from the first Reminder Day marches in 1965 to significant legislative milestones, shaping national policy and securing safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
As the opening of the Philly Pride Visitor Center approaches, it seeks to honor Philadelphia’s legacy in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights while establishing a resource for those within the community. Catering to the sizable LGBTQ+ demographic, which possesses an annual purchasing power of $1.4 trillion, the center aligns with the city’s broad tourism goals.
According to Community Marketing & Insights, 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers currently view Philadelphia as a welcoming destination. Notably, the forthcoming center is also part of Philadelphia’s U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations, aimed at being a legacy project that welcomes visitors long after 2026.
The city anticipates a notable increase in visitors next year during the 250th anniversary of the United States, alongside major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and PGA Championship, as well as new cultural initiatives including the inaugural ArtPhilly festival.
image source from：epgn
