Gloria Steinem’s longtime New York brownstone on East 73rd Street will continue to serve as a hub for feminist activism and political discussion following her death at age 92 on Wednesday, according to representatives from Gloria’s Foundation.
The five-story building, which Steinem acquired in stages over several decades, has been a significant site in feminist history. It was within the home’s living room that a meeting took place in 1971 leading to the founding of Ms. magazine, a publication co-founded by Steinem that became influential in the women’s rights movement. Throughout her life, Steinem used the space to host “talking circles”—gatherings of activists and thinkers focused on social issues.
Jill Heller, director of programs at Gloria’s Foundation, said the foundation currently occupies one floor of the brownstone, with two more floors expected to become part of the organization’s permanent operations. In accordance with Steinem’s wishes, the home will be maintained as an ongoing venue for organizing and activism.
Steinem first moved into the building in 1967, initially renting a unit she shared with artist Barbara Nessim. Over time, she purchased additional floors, expanding the space available for meetings and events. The brownstone has welcomed numerous notable figures across social, cultural, and political spheres, including Tarana Burke, Hillary Clinton, Alice Walker, and Lupita Nyong’o.
Visitors to the brownstone often remark on its warm and intimate atmosphere. Feminist activist Synclaire Warren recalled hosting a Black History Month event there earlier this year focused on Black maternal health, noting that the setting encouraged open and candid discussion on difficult topics such as maternal mortality and reproductive health.
Similarly, Adrianne Wright, founder of the storytelling agency Rosie, said that a recent talking circle on misinformation and media algorithms benefited from the home’s welcoming environment, contrasting it with more formal conference settings.
The interior of the home reflects Steinem’s lifelong commitment to feminism and social justice, filled with books, photographs, letters, and memorabilia. Artworks honoring her friendships and her interests, including a prominent theme of elephants, cover the walls. These elements contribute to the space’s unique character and historical significance.
Steinem’s early life was marked by frequent moves and instability, contrasting with the stability she created in her New York home. According to Heller, offering a welcoming and safe space to others was deeply important to her. Steinem once emphasized the power of “people sitting in circles saying the unsayable thing” as fundamental to social justice movements.
The brownstone’s role as a sanctuary was underscored during moments of political upheaval. Heller recalled being in the home on the day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, finding strength in the space’s connection to feminist history.
In her forthcoming memoir, “An Unexpected Life,” Steinem reflected on the longevity and symbolic significance of her home, acknowledging that it had “witnessed lives” before hers and would continue to do so after her passing. The foundation’s commitment to preserving the brownstone ensures that it will remain a gathering place for future generations of activists.