About the Foundation
Our Mission
Tom of Finland Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of artist Touko Laaksonen (1920–1991), better known as Tom of Finland, and championing the art and culture his practice defined.
We collaborate with leading galleries and art institutions to exhibit and historicize Tom’s collected works. Public visibility to this important archive is our motivating purpose.
Beyond works by Tom, we steward a collection of more than 11,000 unique artworks, including paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, and sculptures created by more than 700 queer artists—many whose legacies are preserved nowhere else.
We continue to protect queer legacy with support of contemporary artists through public projects and programming. Our commitment to serving the LGBTQIA+ community is rooted in the freedom of creative expression and the necessity to share its value.
Our History
In 1984, Tom of Finland Foundation was established in Los Angeles as a non-profit organization and studio residence. Known widely as Tom House, the property served as the Foundation’s headquarters and a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ artists during the AIDS crisis.
In 2011, Tom House became a residency program for contemporary artists’ practice—building a following of queer artists who created works among Tom’s artifacts and hosted public exhibitions.
Today, this work continues on a global scale with collaborations and initiatives that extend Tom’s legacy to communities where they would otherwise be unknown.
Recognized for its cultural significance, the site is designated as a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and is residence to its long-time owners.
Tom's attic studio in his Echo Park, Los Angeles home
Artists & Scholars, 2026
- Konstantinos MenelaouResident Artist
- Carlos EnfedaqueResident Artist
- Georg Meyer-WielResident Artist
- Roko FearonResident Artist
- Kirin Wachter-GreneVisiting Scholar
- Andy CampbellVisiting Scholar
Board of Directors
- Robert Knox HayesChairman
- Joshua HauthVice Chairman
- David AldeaTreasurer
- Nolan FengSecretary
- Brooke WiseChief Curator
