A new Philly Pride Visitor Center has opened in Philadelphia’s Gayborhood. The visitor center celebrates LGBTQ+ history, culture, and firsts in the city and state. 

Officials from the Philadelphia Visitor Center, Visit Philadelphia, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania describe Philadelphia as a historically inclusive city whose LGBTQ+ heritage has become incorporated into the state’s broader tourism strategy. Leaders also acknowledge that the center will serve as a hub for the millions of people expected to arrive in Philadelphia to commemorate the United States’ semiquincentennial.

According to CBS Philadelphia, people can visit the center to learn about LGBTQ+ communities and destinations across Pennsylvania. It also creates what officials are calling a “mini-museum,” giving people a glimpse of LGBTQ+ history.

Local and state leaders, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center. They said they want to make sure the visitor center sends a message amid the current political environment.

“At a time when we get to celebrate the foundation of this nation, 250 years later, we do so with a big heart and open arms to everyone who will walk through these doors,” Shapiro said in a statement during the opening ceremony. “[William] Penn would probably be pretty proud at the fact that we have come this far, and we’ve remained together, and we’ve remained a city, and a commonwealth, that is warm and welcoming for all.”  

The Philly Pride Visitor Center will be open Thursday through Monday, noon to 6 p.m., and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is located at 1130 Locust St. in Philadelphia.