Leather Archives and Museum image

Leather Archives and Museum

Tourist attraction Museum

Educational & historical museum for adults offering exhibitions with wearable leather & kinky props. People often mention museum, community, history, leather, library,


Address

6418 N Greenview Ave, Chicago, IL 60626

Website

www.leatherarchives.org

Contact

(773) 761-9200

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (234 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 1 to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (21) community (9) history (9) leather (7) library (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Laurent CHERY D. 9 months ago on Google • 98 reviews
    Wonderful collection of leather culture and community. Impressive and moving archives. Not just from the United States.Soon accessible for wheelchairs, but already a very valuable aid. Best to ask first by phone.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ceraun L. 4 months ago on Google • 171 reviews
    This place is a testament to the power of the leather community. It’s not just whips and jackets it’s community care and love that holds this crew together. As you go through the archives you will see intimate histories of the people who built homes for themselves and others. There are binders of patches and stickers from across the country. Amazing art that celebrates the community as well as Tons of informative work. This place also contains a very good library of lgbtq texts that is a must for anyone interested in lgbtq history or literature. They have fiction, non fiction, pulp, photography works you name it they got it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mari S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very unique little place. I saw the Golden Girls Parody there and it was amazing!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ash V. 5 years ago on Google • 56 reviews
    So glad this place exists! For a culture that doesn't have a lot of written text it was very educational to explore and experience this museum. I definitely enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the kinky side of life.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wend W. 2 years ago on Google
    Got there a smidgen late but the delightful beauty let my companion and I in and I'm so glad. Genuinely enjoyed the items on display, the historical appreciation, and the resources to learn more. Designed to educate and show appreciation for the art. Not a museum for everyone but if you are already established in this society, looking to learn more, or are just curious...they are worth a visit 😉
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sy G. 6 years ago on Google
    To be honest, I didn't know it was an R rated museum... The museum popped up on my Facebook as a recommended museum. I didn't bother reading any reviews or anything beforehand because I didn't want anyone's opinion- I wanted to form my own! So there I go on 3/23/2018 and asked the front desk staff if students or military members get discounts. I was generously given a discount on my admission price (thank you) and was asked to use the free lockers to store my purse and jacket. There's a video in the locker room showing how leather jackets are cleaned and repaired but as soon as I took down the flight of stairs, I realized that by "leather," they didn't mean cowboys and horses but bondage and dominance. If you are religious, get offended easily, are immature, or are homophobic- stay out of this museum. It's not for you. Consider going to the Field Museum instead. Thanks for reading my review!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda R. 1 year ago on Google • 60 reviews
    Free on Thursdays. Their library is cozy and feels safe. They have lockers to put your coat and bags with keys! Everyone who is interested in queer history will be delighted and educated. I think it does a pretty good job of dispelling the stereotypes that there are only men in the leather community. There are some awesome women who are dominating as well! (Pun intended) My only wish is for the museum to grow bigger!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nat W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great customer service! I love choosing from their selection of sexy post cards to send to my vanilla friends. I also recommend checking out the library in the back for an excellent literature catalogue and some kinky coloring pages!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shawn P. 8 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    What a rare gem of a place. My husband and I went to their rummage sale and the hospitality was amazing. As soon as we entered we were greeted by two helpful employees of the museum. They showed us where to go. We went to the auditorium and the walls were lined with art work by Etienne. I can’t wait to do some research there and become a member.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madison A. 9 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    Such a cool history told in this museum. Learned so much and am looking forward to attending some of the events they have. Admission was cheap ($10) and only $5 for students! Plus the library is a phenomenal resource and doesn't require admission.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dunn Success F. 1 month ago on Google • 115 reviews New
    I co-executive produced the national title of Leatherman of Color (LOC), which was awarded this weekend in keeping with Mufasa's Leather Fellowship Weekend tradition. Our mission of promoting people of color in the leather community with positive images remains strong, and we are also proud to continue our educational programs and outreach. We held the Kink University and The POC Journey Panel Discussion as well as The LOC 2024 contest. Thank you, Gary Wasdin

  • 5/5 Paul K. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a fun and unique museum. Their collections are important for researchers with varied intersectionality.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will M. 6 years ago on Google
    Learn about LGBTQ+ and BDSM history and culture in an open, sex-positive museum with knowledgeable and helpful staff!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Czech I. 2 months ago on Google • 83 reviews New
    I love this place. It feels sacred- like hallowed ground. I always feel welcome and safe. An extremely well curated conversation on the history of the leather community, with a lean toward prominent figures within the Midwest, San Francisco and Chicago landscape. I go multiple times every time I visit the area.

  • 5/5 Shadi B. 1 year ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Amazingly curated, with a significant part of the collection curated by Leslie Anderson, a skilled personal in museum collection restoration/curation at both here and The Field Museum, and a bootblacking legend.

  • 5/5 Kassian L. 5 months ago on Google • 31 reviews
    This is an amazing museum and library! I'm definitely going back next time I'm in Chicago! All the displays are informational and beautiful to look at. Thanks for all you do LA&M!

  • 5/5 Annachiara S. 1 year ago on Google
    Super cool museum where you can learn everything about Leather, fetish and queer culture.

  • 5/5 Clinton I. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place! Got a nice shirt from the gift shop that is getting a lot of stares in public

  • 5/5 Letitia L. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome show, Blanche ouldnt keep my eyes off you. Rose so much in character. Dorothy, loved you. Ma, you are something else. Thank you for making my decision incredibly awesome. Loved it all

  • 5/5 Stephanie W. 1 year ago on Google
    Very awesome place! My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And the bathroom is an experience… but I won’t give too much away. Just go check it out for yourself!

  • 5/5 David F. 11 months ago on Google
    A great museum for learning about a culture I knew nothing about. Even if it isn't your thing, this is a great place to go just to feel like you're with other mature, grown-ups.

  • 5/5 Nicole B. 2 years ago on Google
    Well organized, fabulous exhibits, and a library unrivaled in subject matter.

  • 5/5 R.J. Q. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such an important museum, preserving the histories of often invisible groups. As a trans person, it was particularly healing to have the trans experience validated and recognized throughout the museum. Plus it's free on Wednesdays! Would absolutely visit again. If you so plan on visiting, be prepared that is is a community initiative, not a professionally curated museum. On that note, it would be amazing to see the museum improved with some volunteer curation work.

  • 5/5 Sara S. 2 years ago on Google
    So juicy, so good!

  • 5/5 Ryan B. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic and informative museum chronicling the history of the straight and gay bdsm communities both in Chicago and across the world. The staff members present the day I visited were very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend and will definitely return!

  • 5/5 Jennifer B. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely history and artwork and a very dope theater space

  • 5/5 Nicholas B. 10 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    It was such a treat getting to visit the museum. Gary was a sweetheart who explained the layout and a bit of the history regarding the space. For anyone in the queer kink scene, and queer in general for that matter, it's a very good stop to learn about the history and importance of kink within the community. The library of queer and kink literature was my favorite part! Gonna come by again on my next trip to Chicago!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call (773) 761-9200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom

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