Curious about a temple dedicated to love? Here, before us, stands the gateway to the Sex Museum Amsterdam also known as the Temple of Venus. It is more than just a museum. It is a journey through the ages of human sensuality.
The Temple of Venus opened its doors in 1985. Since then, it has drawn crowds eager to explore the world of eroticism. In 2015 alone, 675000 visitors passed through its doors making it one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands.
Inside the Sex Museum Amsterdam, discover a vast collection. Images, recordings, photos, paintings, and artifacts fill the space. They chart the evolution of human sexuality across centuries. From Cleopatra’s reign to the Romans’ desires, the museum shows how sex was viewed. Even the repressive Middle Ages are represented.
Before the Temple of Venus, the history of sex remained underexposed. This museum aims to change that. It reveals the historical and artistic sides of sex. Eroticism has taken countless forms over time. The Sex Museum Amsterdam displays these forms.
The collection resides in a 17th-century building. It consists of a front house and two rear houses. An imposing staircase connects them. Corridors and stairways create a mysterious web. Visitors discover new things at every turn. The variety of cultures and eras offers visual pleasure.
Two ancient erotic objects were found during the museum’s construction. One was a tile showing a man with an erection playing cards. The other was a Hermes statuette. The statuette likely came from the Mediterranean. Such figurines were fertility icons and good luck charms.
Monique van Marle was Europe’s youngest museum director at the opening. The museum’s contents grew with its success. Over time, Monique gained expertise in displaying erotic art appropriately.
The Sex Museum Amsterdam is a unique establishment. It addresses an under-represented aspect of life and culture. It does so through private initiative. The public has embraced the museum. People of all ages and genders find it intriguing. The collection has expanded.
The Venustempel is the world’s first and oldest sex museum. The museum looks at many aspects of sensual love through the ages. It displays an extensive collection of erotic pictures, movies, paintings, and artifacts. The vast collection was personally gathered by the museum’s owners. It is now on permanent display in their 17th-century property on the Damrak.
Also the museum is known for some special exhibits. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec created many artworks inspired by prostitutes. The museum also features a Josephine Baker figure. She wears her iconic banana skirt.
The Temple of Venus has flower-shaped brass toilets. When you wash your hands, a movie cheers you up in the mirror. The museum also features decorations based on Alphonse Mucha’s work. From the street, you can see a giant decorated window film with colored LED lighting.
So step inside the Temple of Venus. Explore the evolution of desire. Discover the art and history of sex. The Sex Museum Amsterdam promises a memorable experience.