The Birth of New Identities 1869–1939

Join us for an exploration of the early days of queer visibility in art. This exhibition brings together around eighty paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs that capture how same-sex desire and gender diversity began to be expressed more openly between 1869 and 1939.

The journey starts in 1869—the year the word “homosexual” was first used in print. Through these works, you’ll discover stories of vibrant communities, intimate portraits, and the bold choices of people living life on their own terms. We look at the hidden “codes” used to express desire, the courage of being oneself, and how these personal identities were connected to the broader history of the time.