The birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, in Greenwich Village.
Photo: Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Stonewall National Monument was the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ history and civil rights. It centers on Christopher Park and the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village — the site of the June 1969 Stonewall uprising, when patrons and neighbors resisted a police raid and set off the days of protest widely credited with launching the modern movement and the first Pride marches the following year.
It's a small, walkable, year-round urban stop. The federally protected core is leafy little Christopher Park, home to George Segal's 'Gay Liberation' sculpture; across the street stands the historic Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark and the symbolic heart of the monument. A dedicated NPS visitor center — the first focused on LGBTQ history — opened nearby in 2024.
It's free, easy to reach by subway, and best paired with a wander through the historic West Village.
The small triangular park between Christopher, West 4th, and Grove Streets — the actual federally protected land, with benches and a fence exhibit of historical photos.
Insider tipThe main wheelchair-accessible entrance is on West 4th Street.
Plan a trip to this spot →George Segal's white-painted bronze (1992) of two standing men and two seated women — a quiet public memorial to LGBTQ life and love.
Insider tipRead the nearby interpretive panels for context.
Plan a trip to this spot →The historic site of the June 1969 uprising and a National Historic Landmark — the building where the modern movement ignited.
Insider tipIt's a private business; view and photograph it respectfully from the public sidewalk as the landmark it is.
Plan a trip to this spot →The Park Service's first visitor center dedicated to LGBTQ history, with exhibits on the uprising and the broader rights movement.
Insider tipIndoor and free — an all-weather complement to the park. Verify current hours.
Plan a trip to this spot →Signage, ranger programs, and self-guided tours explain what happened and why it launched Pride and the modern movement.
Insider tipCheck the NPS site for scheduled ranger programs.
Plan a trip to this spot →The monument sits in one of NYC's most historic, walkable neighborhoods and the heart of its LGBTQ history, with leafy streets radiating from Sheridan Square.
Insider tipBuild in time to wander the West Village — the surroundings are part of the story.
Plan a trip to this spot →Humid continental/subtropical transition — hot, humid summers and cold winters, with rain spread fairly evenly year-round and winter snow. The small park plus the indoor visitor center make it a comfortable year-round walkable stop; June (Pride Month) is the busiest.
A small urban monument in Greenwich Village — come by subway, not car.
At Christopher Park on Christopher St, Manhattan. Subway: 1 train to Christopher St–Sheridan Square, or A/C/E/B/D/F/M to W 4 St–Washington Square. Free; the park keeps daytime hours and the visitor center is open select days (verify). Use transit — there's no parking.
No lodging at the monument — stay anywhere in NYC; the citywide subway makes any borough viable.
Walkable boutique hotels put you steps from the monument and Washington Square Park.
Booking tipThe most atmospheric base, if priciest.
A wide range of hotels a short subway ride away.
Booking tipOften better value, with easy transit to the Village.
Is it free?
Yes — both Christopher Park and the visitor center are free, with no pass required. It's also the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ history (designated 2016).
What happened here, and why does it matter?
Police raided the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969; the community resisted, and the days of protests that followed are widely credited with launching the modern LGBTQ rights movement and the first Pride marches the next year.
What is there to see?
Christopher Park, the George Segal 'Gay Liberation' sculpture, the historic Stonewall Inn (from outside), and the 2024 NPS visitor center.
How do I get there?
Take the subway — Christopher St–Sheridan Square (1 train) or W 4 St (A/C/E/B/D/F/M). It's a dense urban site, so don't plan to drive or park.
How long should I plan?
About 30–60 minutes for the park, sculpture, Inn exterior, and visitor center — more if you explore the Village.
When is it busiest?
June (Pride Month) by far, with large crowds and events. Other months are quiet.
Pick your vehicle, line up the stops on the way in and out, and carry the whole route in your pocket.
