Events & Exhibitions

Physique in 4k: Insights from a film lab intern

An intern’s journey into preserving Mizer’s vision

Friday, November 15, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Join us for an illuminating evening exploring the pioneering work of underground filmmaker Bob Mizer through five digitally preserved films from the 1970s. Previously locked away on fragile 16mm film, these rare works showcase Mizer's distinctive artistic vision and his significant contribution to queer cinema. Our presenting intern will share insights into the meticulous preservation process, discussing the technical challenges and discoveries made while working with these historic materials at the museum's film archive. This intimate screening offers a unique opportunity to witness these restored works while examining their place in experimental film history and LGBTQ+ cultural heritage.

A Dual Legacy

Dedication of The Charles Longcope Jr. Photography Research Archive & the James Lynn Williams Rare Books & Special Collections Study Room

NOVEMBER 15, 2024
6:30 - 7:30 PM PST

followed by a special Film Screening at 7:00pm
BMF MAIN GALLERY

Join us as we celebrate a transformative gift to our educational mission with the dedication of two vital research spaces. The Charles Longcope Jr. Photography Research Archive and the James Lynn Williams Rare Books & Special Collections Study Room will expand our capacity to preserve, study, and share our remarkable collections for generations to come.

This special ribbon-cutting ceremony honors James Lynn William's vision of creating dedicated spaces where scholars, students, and researchers can engage with both our historic photography collection and rare book holdings. These newly named spaces represent a significant milestone in our commitment to visual and literary education.

Progeny: New Visions of The Classical Form

featuring Lucas Murnaghan, Steven Menendez, Walter Jenkel, Phil Dlab, and Gabriel Goldberg

November 7 - February 22, 2025

Opening Reception:

November 7, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

This group exhibition features five contemporary photographers—Lucas Murnaghan, Steven Menendez, Walter Jenkel, Phil Dlab, and Gabriel Goldberg—whose work is inspired by the iconic physique photographer Bob Mizer. Each artist reinterprets Mizer's legacy, showcasing new visions of the male form through a range of styles. From Murnaghan’s ethereal underwater scenes to Goldberg’s hyper-saturated studio portraits, the exhibition highlights how Mizer's pioneering work with masculinity and the body continues to resonate. Progeny celebrates the lasting impact of Mizer’s vision, blending timeless influences with modern aesthetics in bold and creative ways.

Fundraiser for MICKEY & RICHARD: A Film about legend Mickey Squires

Limited Seating! Meet Mickey Squires in Person

October 5, 2024

5pm-7pm Pacific

+ Screening @ 5:30 pm:

• IN PERSON: Meet Mickey Squires!
• $20 suggested donation
• Sneak peek of our rough cut
• J. Brian's Flashbacks (1980)
• + Q&A W/ Mickey & Wohler Films

Boxing Clever:

Pugilistic Power and Visual Desire from the Permanent Collection

September 5 - October 26, 2024

Opening Reception:

September 5, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

This photography exhibition explores how images of 20th-century boxers served as rare, socially acceptable material for closeted gay men to admire the male form. Through the lens of alternative admiration, the exhibition reveals the duality of these photos: celebrated publicly for athleticism while privately resonating with desire and identity. By recontextualizing these images, the exhibition honors the hidden histories of those who found connection in these athletes' powerful, chiseled bodies, offering a nuanced view of masculinity and representation.

Retro Film Revival

Mizer’s Classics with 2024 Soundscapes

Friday, August 16, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

 Join us in the Bob Mizer Foundation’s main gallery for a screening of some of Mizer’s classic films from the late 1960s through to the 1970s. While previous screenings have been largely composed of all silent films, this August’s screening will showcase Mizer’s films with a new contemporary soundtrack made by local queer musician Everett Fisher. Fisher’s soundtracks capture and accentuate Mizer’s unique storytelling while bringing a unique sound of blended modern and retro beats.

Reel Artistry: Bob Mizer's Film Legacy

Featuring Newly Restored Classics

Friday, July 19, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Featuring newly restored masterpieces that celebrate his groundbreaking contributions to film and photography

The Outsider's Gaze: Bruce Hackney Delves into Weinberger's World

Co-Curator Bruce Hackney unveils the depth of youth rebellion in Weinberger's photography

Friday, June 21, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

At "The Outsider's Gaze," curator Bruce Hackney will present an engaging exploration of Karlheinz Weinberger's groundbreaking photography, focusing on the rebellious youth subcultures of 1950s and 1960s Zurich. This event will feature a curated slideshow of Weinberger's most compelling images, highlighting the unique ways in which these young individuals expressed their defiance against mainstream society through fashion, attitude, and lifestyle. Hackney will delve into the cultural and historical context of Weinberger's work, discussing its significance in documenting subcultural movements and its lasting impact on contemporary visual arts. Attendees will gain insights into the photographer's ability to capture the essence of outsider identities, providing a voice to those on the margins. The discussion will also touch on themes of identity, resistance, and the power of photography as a tool for social commentary. "The Outsider's Gaze" promises to be an illuminating session for enthusiasts of photography, culture, and history alike.

From Fundraiser to Film: Celebrating the Launch of Our New Film Scanning Lab

with host Max Zinkievich

Friday, May 17, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Join us for a special event celebrating the launch of our new film scanning lab, made possible by our recent successful fundraiser. The evening will feature a captivating film screening, showcasing exceptional works that highlight the artistry and technical brilliance of cinema. 

Karlheinz Weinberger: Outsiders Within

Unveiling the defiance in Zurich's underground youth culture

May 2 - August 31, 2024

Opening Reception:

May 2, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

In the heart of early 1960’s  Zurich, Karlheinz Weinberger captured the essence of rebellion through his lens, focusing on the 'Halbstarken'—teenagers defying norms with their distinctive, embellished attire and an unabashed admiration for icons like Elvis Presley. Beyond a mere observer, Weinberger, a quietly revolutionary figure himself, delved into subcultures from rugged bikers to intimate nude male portraits, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and the bold defiance of societal constraints. His work, a testament to the vibrancy of youth and the outsider spirit, offers a unique window into the unspoken narratives of those daring to live authentically on the fringes.

Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs: An Intimate Conversation with Chuck

with photographer Charles Hovland

Friday, April 19, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Charles Hovland is a photographer whose work has delved into various aspects of male beauty and identity. His book, "Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs," showcases an expansive range of male forms and personas within the gay community. Through his lens, Hovland captures the essence of masculinity in its diverse expressions, challenging traditional norms and stereotypes. The book’s title itself hints at the variety of male archetypes presented, from muscular hunks and youthful twinks to the more rugged persona of thugs. Hovland's work is not just about physical beauty; it's a deeper exploration of identity, sexuality, and the societal roles attributed to men. By presenting these varied images, Hovland invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of masculinity and the complexity within the gay community. His photography serves as both an artistic expression and a sociocultural commentary, making "Hunks, Twinks, & Thugs" a significant contribution to contemporary photography and LGBTQ+ discourse.

The Golden Age of the American Male

a compilation of AMG films

Friday, March 15, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

This March, immerse yourself in the groundbreaking film series "The Golden Age of the American Male: A Cinematic Exploration," featuring the iconic work of photographer Bob Mizer. Renowned for his pioneering portrayal of masculinity, Mizer's films offer a unique lens into the evolution of the male identity across different decades. Dive into a world where the male form is celebrated in its myriad expressions, challenging traditional stereotypes and inviting a deeper dialogue on gender and representation. Don't miss this compelling journey through the legacy of Bob Mizer, reflecting on the past while pondering the future of masculinity in cinema and culture.

First Thursdays Art Walk and Exhibition Opening

Opening Reception for "So It Begins… | The Complete Mizer Chronicles: From Portraiture to Chromatism in Mizer's Lens"

Open House:

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Main Gallery

The Upper Tenderloin in San Francisco revitalizes its cultural scene with the First Thursdays Art Walk, introducing the latest exhibition from the Bob Mizer Foundation, "So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992." This captivating showcase dives into thirty years of Mizer's pioneering work, highlighting his evolution from monochrome to vibrant color photography. Mizer, a visionary in capturing the male form, pushed societal boundaries through his art. The exhibition, set against the backdrop of the eclectic Tenderloin district, offers a unique lens into Mizer's exploration of color, composition, and the male identity, inviting viewers to rediscover his influential legacy in contemporary art and LGBTQ+ culture.

So It Begins… | The Complete Mizer Chronicles: From Portraiture to Chromatism in Mizer's Lens

March 7 - April 27, 2024

Opening Reception:

March 7, 2024
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation proudly concludes its "So It Begins…" series with a comprehensive retrospective that charts the influential career of Bob Mizer (1922-1992), a visionary whose innovative approach transformed the realm of photographic portraiture. Spanning three distinct segments, this exhibition journey traces Mizer's artistic evolution, beginning with his initial forays into capturing American subcultures and leading up to the vibrant color advancements characterizing his later pieces.

Vintage Volumes and Veiled Pages: "The Magazine" Reflects on 50 years of Peddling Mainstream and Smut

with "The Magazine" Founder Trent Dunphy

Friday, February 23, 2024

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

Join Trent Dunphy and recollect the 50 years of business of The Magazine.

Of Hepburn and Hunks: The Life and Times of George Platt Lynes

with Physique Pictorial Senior Editor

Friday, November 17, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

As a photographer, George Platt Lynes didn't just capture Hollywood and the fashion world in his work. His work photographing nude men was a constant source of both pride and anxiety for the mid-century artist. Learn more about Lynes, as well as how his male nudes ended up in the archives of The Kinsey Institute, in the upcoming presentation "Of Hepburn and Hunks: The Life and Times of George Platt Lynes."

So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Chromatic Mannerisms 1962-1992

November 2 - February 24, 2024

Opening Reception:

November 2, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

Departing from the dominant black-and-white format that had defined his earlier works and his influential publication Physique Pictorial, Mizer embarked on an experimental journey in the last part of his life.

Physique Pictorial: The Manufacture,  Craft and Art of Mizer's Magazine

curated by Max Zinkievich

October 20 - April 27, 2024

Opening Reception:

October 20, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Mainardi Memorial Gallery

This exhibition is designed to illuminate the history of Physique Pictorial, the hand-crafted manufacture of its physical issues, as well as the behind-the-scenes goings on of the magazine's operation.

The Art of the Male Nude in The Golden Age of Physique Photography 1940-1970

with historian John Fagundes

Friday, September 15, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation hosts the first in our Speaker Series with a presentation by historian John Fagundes on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.

So It Begins...: | Bob Mizer: Socially Redeeming Value 1955-1975

August 3 - September 30, 2023

Opening Reception:

August 3, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

A continuing exhibit in The Bob Mizer Foundation Gallery introduces visitors to a selection of the photographer’s controversial postwar images.

Farewell, David Hurles:A Gathering of Friends Remember the Old Reliable Photographer

with hosts Dian Hanson and Trent Dunphy

Saturday, June 3, 2023

7 - 8:30 PM PST
Main Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation will host a memorial to the late groundbreaking pornographer David Hurles on Saturday, June 3, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.

So It Begins... | Bob Mizer: Early Work 1945-1955

June 1 - July 29, 2023

Opening Reception:

June 1, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

The first exhibit to open in The Bob Mizer Foundation’s new downtown headquarters will introduce visitors to a selection of the photographer’s earliest postwar images.

Raw Mizer

A Collab with the Bob Mizer Foundation and the Raw Meat Collective

May 5 - May 26, 2023

Opening Reception:

May 5, 2023
6 - 8 PM PST

Main Gallery

A lot of artists pull from many different inspirational backgrounds, however, Mizer’s bold and pristine eye is as fresh as tomorrow. Mizer’s photographs are timeless, iconic, and full of life to this day. He inspires visual artistic minds from all over this world and will continue to do so for many years to come. 

STRONGMAN: The Predilections of Robert Mainardi

constructions and reflections on his published works

May 4 - October 10, 2023

Opening Reception:

May 4, 2022
6 - 8 PM PST

Mainardi Memorial Gallery

The Bob Mizer Foundation hosts the first in our Speaker Series with a presentation by historian John Fagundes on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Foundation’s downtown headquarters.