Philadelphia is set to unveil the Philly Pride Visitor Center in January 2026, marking a significant step for LGBTQ+ tourism in the city and across the nation.
This center will be one of the first dedicated LGBTQ+ visitor centers in the United States, aiming to welcome LGBTQ+ travelers from around the globe.
The announcement, made on October 10, comes from a collaborative effort involving the Philadelphia Visitor Center, Visit Philadelphia, Visit PA, and PGN.
The new center is strategically located next to Knock Bar & Restaurant at the intersection of 12th and Locust Streets, providing easy access to visitors.
It will offer a range of services including itinerary planning, attraction ticketing, and up-to-date travel information that emphasizes LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, businesses, and cultural institutions.
Additionally, the center will feature a selection of souvenirs from many LGBTQ+-owned businesses, further promoting local entrepreneurship within the community.
Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, expressed the vision behind the center.
“The Philly Pride Visitor Center reflects our commitment to inclusive tourism and to making sure every traveler feels seen, welcomed, and celebrated,” she stated.
Val added that for over two decades, Visit Philadelphia has made strides to demonstrate to LGBTQ+ travelers that they belong in the city.
The introduction of this new center will provide a hub for LGBTQ+ visitors and residents, allowing them to connect with Philadelphia’s rich LGBTQ+ history.
Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center, highlighted Philadelphia’s celebration of diversity.
“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 said.
This sentiment is echoed in the ongoing proud legacy of Philadelphia in advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
The city’s historical significance includes being the site of the nation’s first LGBTQ+ sit-in at Dewey’s restaurant in 1965, as well as the location of the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall, which were among the earliest public demonstrations advocating for gay rights in the U.S.
Anne Ryan, Deputy Secretary of Tourism for the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, spoke on the importance of the new center.
“Pennsylvania has always been a place where people come to write the next chapter of their story, and that includes our LGBTQ+ community,” she remarked.
Ryan emphasized that the new LGBTQ+ Visitor Center sends a clear message: “You belong here.”
It is intended to be a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ travelers to discover community and pride as they explore Pennsylvania.
The center will showcase Philadelphia’s ongoing LGBTQ+ narrative with curated historical content by Mark Segal, publisher of PGN.
Segal noted Philadelphia’s role as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ history, referencing significant events such as the first Reminder Day marches in 1965, the Dewey’s sit-in, the introduction of the first statewide anti-discrimination order, and the nation’s first LGBTQ+ senior housing.
He emphasized that Philadelphia has been instrumental in launching the fight for representation in media and shaping national policy, creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
With the opening of the Philly Pride Visitor Center, the city aims to honor its legacy while continuing its support for those within the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Community Marketing & Insights, about 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers currently view Philadelphia as a welcoming destination.
This community possesses a notable purchasing power, with an estimated annual total of $1.4 trillion.
The initiative is also connected to Philadelphia’s U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations, serving as a legacy project designed to benefit visitors long after 2026.
Looking ahead, Philadelphia anticipates record visitation due to the 250th anniversary of the United States, major sporting events, and new initiatives like the inaugural ArtPhilly festival.
image source from：epgn
