Step inside the Sexmuseum Amsterdam. This isn’t your grandma’s museum. It’s a journey through history’s most intimate moments. The Sexmuseum or Venustempel as it’s also known opened in 1985. It started small a collection of 19th-century erotica purchased at a Parisian auction. But its popularity exploded. The museum expanded adding floors and buildings. Now it’s a sprawling collection. It boasts 700 square meters filled with provocative art and artifacts.
Initially designed as a Roman temple for Venus the entrance was later updated. The original design featured two Roman columns. You can imagine the grandeur. However the facade changed in 2015. A wooden facade replaced the original one. Even the advertising changed. Reproductions of Alfons Mucha’s “Four Seasons” once adorned the windows. They were removed in 2018.
The museum’s collection is extensive. It covers centuries of human sexuality. It has everything. From ancient sculptures to risqué Victorian paintings. There are even life-sized mannequins depicting various acts. One famous diorama recreates Marilyn Monroe’s infamous flying dress scene. Think of it as a visual history lesson but one with a lot more nudity. It is undeniably fascinating. It even includes 16th-century chastity belts. Imagine the stories those artifacts could tell.
The Sexmuseum is a top five museum in the Netherlands. It receives approximately 680000 visitors annually. Most visitors are between 25 and 30 years old. The majority are female and international tourists. The Sexmuseum Amsterdam is more than a museum. It is a testament to the evolution of human sexuality and a surprising top attraction. It’s an Amsterdam must-see. Don’t just walk by. Step inside. Prepare to be surprised.