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Leather Archives and Museum

Chicago, United States of America

Leather Archives and Museum

The Leather Archives & Museum (LA&M) is a community archives, library, and museum located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Founded by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase in 1991, its mission is making “leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish accessible through research, preservation, educati

on and community engagement." Renslow and DeBlase founded the museum to combat the loss and suppression of leather and fetish community history during the AIDS crisis. The LA&M is a leading conservator of queer erotic art. Its permanent collection features some of the most iconic LGBTQ artists of the twentieth century, including most artwork by Bill Schmeling and many works by Dom Orejudos. The museum is open to patrons 18 years of age and over. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM). Research assistance is available upon request. The museum temporarily closed May 24, 2026 for a year-long renovation project.

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