Registration
Admission for this tour is $40. Members receive exclusive discounts on our programs and courses. Not a member? Learn more.
Please check your spam folder for your email confirmation. If you have questions, please call (215) 732-1600 or email rsvp@rosenbach.org.
This program is for those 18 and older.
To promote access to onsite and virtual Rosenbach experiences, we offer scholarships for each Signature Program. To inquire, email Associate Curator and Manager of Public Programs Bryn Michelson-Ziegler at bziegler@rosenbach.org.
Description
For many centuries, Queer people have faced marginalization by mainstream society. Yet their obstacles have also given them unique perspectives on the human experience and inspired important contributions to art, literature, and politics. In this tour, we will meet Queer people from history and consider how their diverse identities shaped their lives and informed their work. This program features several important items from the Rosenbach’s collection, including romantic love letters exchanged by the legendary film actress Marlene Dietrich and the playwright Mercedes de Acosta; a commonplace book that once belonged to the Chevalier d’Éon, an influential nonbinary person who was a soldier, courtier, and spy; and two breathtaking editions of Charles Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.
Conclude LGBTQ+ History Month with the Rosenbach as we reveal the often-hidden but always-fascinating history of Queer people!
Would you like to learn more about Mercedes de Acosta? Read about the 2025 mini-exhibition Bound Together by Magic Threads: Lesbian Devotion in the Lives and Works of Mercedes de Acosta, Marlene Dietrich, and Eva Le Gallienne on the Rosenblog!
Sponsors
Our Rebellious Love: Exploring Queer History, Art, and Literature Behind the Bookcase program is generously sponsored by Lois and Larry Deckelbaum.
Behind the Bookcase: Hands-on Tours at The Rosenbach
Behind the Bookcase: Hands-on Tours offer unparalleled access to see, and even touch, rare and important items not usually on view to the public. Each program is dedicated to a different author, theme, or topic and grants a truly hands-on experience with materials in The Rosenbach’s inspiring collection.
See all upcoming tours here. Space is limited and advance registration is strongly recommended.