Come inside (All iPhone snaps by Matthew Rettenmund)

I just viewed what I would say is the best-ever exhibit of gay male art at the Leslie-Lohman Museum in Soho.

Male Gaze: Life, Legend, Legacy (February 17-March 31) is made up of incredibly diverse work from the personal collection of Charles Leslie and his late partner Fritz Lohman themselves, items from their 50-year collection of male erotica that encompass paintings, drawings, sculptures and, of course ...

... a penis with needles in it.

If you know anything about Mr. Leslie's private dwelling — the so-called Phallus Palace — you know what to expect in general, but the curation of this show is exquisite, with beautifully complementary work on the walls from such artists as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Tom of Finland, Stanley Stellar, Charles Hovland, Robert W. Richards and many more, even some from unknown and undiscovered artists.

Leslie has been showing gay art for 50 years, since the time when it was illegal to own nude male erotica, and his taste, while expansive, is impeccable. Do not miss this rare opportunity.