Young man taking Junior Ranger oath at Stonewall National Memorial

Stonewall National Monument

Stonewall National Monument Visiting Hours, Tickets, and New York City Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Legacy of Stonewall

The Stonewall National Monument, situated in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, is a profound emblem of resilience, resistance, and the ongoing pursuit of LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States. The monument commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969—a watershed moment when a spontaneous series of protests following a police raid at the Stonewall Inn galvanized the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. This pivotal event led to the formation of influential advocacy groups, the first Pride marches, and an ongoing legacy of activism that continues to inspire generations worldwide (PBS; History.com; National Park Service).

Designated as the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ history in 2016 by President Barack Obama, Stonewall encompasses Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn, and surrounding streets that played a central role in the uprising (Obama White House Archives). The recently opened Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center offers immersive exhibits, educational programs, and a space for community engagement, ensuring the legacy of Stonewall is preserved and shared with all (AP News; Time Out New York).

This comprehensive guide provides essential information on Stonewall National Monument visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, nearby attractions, travel tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, enabling you to experience this iconic site to its fullest.

President Joe Biden listening to Elton John at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opening

Elton John performing at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opening ceremony in New York City

Elton John performing at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opening ceremony

Map showing the boundaries of Stonewall National Monument in 2016

First Lady Jill Biden greeting co-founders of Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center at opening ceremony in New York City, June 28, 2024

Plaque commemorating President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opening

Stonewall National Monument Boundary Map showing the defined boundaries of the historic site in New York City

Introduction and Significance
The Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ+ Life in 1960s NYC
The Stonewall Uprising: Timeline and Key Figures
Aftermath and the Birth of a Movement
National Monument Designation and Visitor Center
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
Guided Tours, Events, and Educational Programs
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

The Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ+ Life in 1960s New York

In the 1960s, LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination and criminalization. The Stonewall Inn, located at 51-53 Christopher Street, was one of the few places where marginalized people could gather. Despite its mafia-run management and frequent police raids, it became a haven for a diverse community—including drag queens, trans women, people of color, and unhoused youth—who found acceptance and solidarity within its walls (National Geographic).

The Stonewall Uprising: June 28 – July 3, 1969

The Police Raid and Resistance

On June 28, 1969, a police raid on the Stonewall Inn sparked a historic act of resistance. Instead of dispersing, patrons and bystanders fought back, throwing objects and shouting for “gay power,” forcing police to barricade themselves inside the bar (History.com; PBS).

Multi-Night Protests and Community Impact

The conflict continued for six nights, drawing thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies to the streets. The uprising provided an unprecedented sense of unity and visibility, and the Stonewall Inn became a focal point of activism (NPCA).

Key Figures

Prominent activists emerged from Stonewall, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera—trans women of color who became leading voices for LGBTQ+ and transgender rights. Their legacies, along with those of other activists like Dick Leitsch and Craig Rodwell, are now commemorated in educational programs and public art (LGBTQ History; AP News).

Aftermath: The Birth of a Movement

The Stonewall Uprising marked a decisive shift from assimilationist tactics to visible, radical activism. New organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and Gay Activists Alliance formed, championing full equality for all LGBTQ+ people (History.com; LGBTQ History). The first anniversary march in 1970, known as Christopher Street Liberation Day, laid the foundation for annual Pride celebrations worldwide (PBS).

National Monument Designation and the Visitor Center

In 2016, Stonewall became the first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights (Obama White House Archives). The site includes Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn, and surrounding streets. On June 28, 2024, the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center opened at 51 Christopher Street, offering interactive exhibits, archival displays, and educational programming (Time Out New York; AP News).

Visiting the Stonewall National Monument

Location & Getting There

Address: 38-64 Christopher Street, Greenwich Village, Manhattan, NYC (NPS official site)
Nearest Subway: 1 train to Christopher Street–Sheridan Square Station; A, C, E, B, D, F, M trains to West 4th Street–Washington Square.
Bus: M8 and M20 lines.
Parking: Limited street parking; public transit or rideshare is recommended.

Visiting Hours

Christopher Park:
- May–October: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- November–April: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  (NPS)
Visitor Center (51 Christopher Street):
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; closed Mondays.
- Reservations required during initial months after opening (AFAR).
Stonewall Inn:
- Daily: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM (21+ only) (ParkChasers).

Admission and Tickets

No entrance fees for Christopher Park, the monument, or the Visitor Center (NPS).
Visitor Center may require free reservations at high-demand times (AFAR).
No tickets are needed for general entry.

Accessibility

Christopher Park: Wheelchair-accessible entrance on Fourth Street with brick-paved paths (NPS).
Visitor Center: Fully accessible; contact NPS in advance for specific accommodations.
Restrooms: No public restrooms in the park; limited facilities at the Visitor Center (AFAR).

What to See and Do

Christopher Park:
- View the Gay Liberation statues by George Segal (1992), interpretive signage, and rainbow flags.
Stonewall Inn:
- Visit the historic LGBTQ+ bar (21+), a living symbol of the movement.
Visitor Center:
- Interactive exhibits, video panels, music from the era, short documentary screenings, and community events (AFAR).
- National Park Service passport stamp available.
Self-Guided Tours:
- Walk through historic Greenwich Village using downloadable maps (ParkChasers).
Ranger Programs:
- Year-round educational talks and guided tours (NPS).
Virtual Experiences:
- Explore “Stonewall Forever” (Stonewall Forever) for an online storytelling platform.

Best Times to Visit

June (Pride Month):
- Most vibrant, with events and crowds (Forbes).
Spring or Fall:
- Pleasant weather and smaller crowds.
Winter:
- Shorter hours, fewer crowds, but open year-round (The Gate with Brian Cohen).

Nearby Attractions

Federal Hall National Memorial and Hamilton Grange: Learn about foundational moments in U.S. history.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Accessible by ferry.
NYC LGBT Community Center: A hub for community and resources.
West Village: Enjoy dining, shopping, and nightlife (ParkChasers).

Visitor Tips

Arrive early during weekends or June for the best experience.
Collect the NPS passport stamp and photograph key landmarks.
Engage with ranger programs and community events.
Dress for the season—most activities are outdoors.
Plan for accessibility needs—contact the NPS for accommodations.
Use public transit due to limited parking.
Share your visit on social media to help raise awareness of LGBTQ+ history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there tickets or entrance fees?
A: No. Admission to the monument, park, and Visitor Center is free; reservations may be needed for the Visitor Center during high-demand periods.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Christopher Park: 7:00 AM–8:00 PM (May–October), 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (November–April). Visitor Center: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Mondays.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the park and Visitor Center are accessible.

Q: Where are restrooms?
A: No public restrooms in the park; limited access in the Visitor Center.

Q: Is the Stonewall Inn open to visitors?
A: Yes, for patrons 21 and over.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Spring, fall, or June during Pride Month (expect crowds in June).

Visual and Interactive Resources

Stonewall Forever virtual tour
NPS Stonewall site images and maps
Visitor Center exhibits and video displays

Internal Resources

Conclusion

Stonewall National Monument remains a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ history and American civil rights, honoring the bravery of those who fought for equality. Its accessible grounds, immersive exhibits, and educational programming offer a powerful and inclusive experience for all visitors. Plan your visit with this guide, download the Audiala app for audio tours, and explore more NYC historical sites to connect with the enduring spirit of Stonewall.