Amsterdam
Erotic Culture & Playful Exhibits

Sex Museum Amsterdam: Exploring Erotic Culture

Dive into a playful journey through sexuality and history in the heart of Amsterdam.

ArtHistoryLocal heritage

Explore the world's first Sex Museum in Amsterdam, housed in a 17th-century canal house. Discover an extensive collection of erotic images, paintings, and objects spanning diverse cultures and historical periods. It offers an engaging look into the historical and artistic dimensions of human sexuality.

The world's first Sex Museum in Amsterdam, presenting a vast collection of erotic art and historical objects from diverse cultures.

Sex Museum Amsterdam
Sex Museum Amsterdam: Focus and Identity

The Sex Museum Amsterdam, also known as the 'Venustempel', opened in 1985 as the world's first institution exploring the historical and artistic aspects of human sexuality. Housed within a historic 17th-century building in Amsterdam, its extensive collection features erotic art, paintings, and objects from various cultures and eras. Visitors navigate a distinctive layout of thematically arranged rooms, named after historical figures, providing an intriguing perspective on erotica through the ages.

Entrance to the Sex Museum Amsterdam with a sign above the doorway and a statue inside
Sex Museum Amsterdam opening hours in Amsterdam

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Sex Museum Amsterdam. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Amsterdam.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
10:00-18:00
Visitor Amenities and Practical Services at Sex Museum Amsterdam

The Sex Museum Amsterdam offers various practical amenities to support your visit, including gender-neutral toilets and pet-friendly policies for well-behaved dogs on a leash. While the venue has limited wheelchair access restricted primarily to the ground floor, visitors can purchase tickets directly at the onsite box office. Guests should note that photography is permitted with certain restrictions, and while food is not allowed inside, closed bottles are welcomed.

Limited access for the disabled

Limited

Toilets

Available

Virtual tour

Available

Food and drinks restricted

Limited
Sex Museum Amsterdam's Central Location

The Sex Museum Amsterdam is located at Damrak 18 in the bustling Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde neighborhood of Amsterdam. This prominent address positions the world's first Sex Museum directly amidst the city's vibrant historical center, offering easy access for visitors exploring the area's many cultural and entertainment options.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Damrak 18

1012 LH Amsterdam

Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, North Holland, NL

Visiting Sex Museum Amsterdam

When planning your visit to Sex Museum Amsterdam in Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, note that all visitors must be at least 16 years old, including infants. The museum has limited accessibility due to the absence of an elevator, though wheelchair users can access the ground floor free of charge. Online tickets offer flexibility, valid for three months from purchase, while tickets bought at the box office are for same-day entry. Photography is permitted for social media, but flash and selfie sticks are prohibited.

Visiting Sex Museum Amsterdam

Exploring Erotic Art and History at Sex Museum Amsterdam

The Sex Museum Amsterdam, also known as the 'Venustempel', offers a unique exploration of human sexuality through historical and artistic lenses in the heart of Amsterdam. Established as the world's first and oldest sex museum, it presents an extensive collection of erotic images, paintings, sculptures, and objects from various cultures and time periods. Housed within a distinctive 17th-century building featuring interconnected rooms and staircases, the museum guides visitors through engaging displays. Each room is thematically arranged and often named after influential historical figures such as Mata Hari and Marquis de Sade, providing a comprehensive and intriguing perspective on erotica through the ages. This attraction delivers a rich and engaging journey into the artistic and cultural history of sexuality.

White statue of a woman in museum interior with decorative ceiling figures and glass display cases visible in the background

History of Sex Museum Amsterdam

The Sex Museum Amsterdam opened its doors in 1985, establishing itself as the world's first and oldest museum dedicated to the exploration of sex and eroticism. This pioneering institution is situated within a historic 17th-century building on Damrak in the center of Amsterdam. Since its inauguration, it has grown to be one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands. The museum's extensive collection of pictures, recordings, photos, paintings, and artifacts explores the evolution of human sexuality, showcasing how sex was viewed across various historical civilizations from ancient times to the Middle Ages.

  • Museum opened to the public in 1985

    1985Opening

    The Sexmuseum, also known as the Temple of Venus, first opened its doors to the public in Amsterdam in 1985. Since its inauguration, it has grown to be one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands.

  • Recognized as the world's first sex museum

    Cultural significance

    The Sexmuseum Amsterdam holds the distinction of being the world's first and oldest museum dedicated to the exploration of sex and eroticism. This pioneering status predates the establishment of similar institutions in other major cities.

  • Housed in a 17th-century building

    1600-1699Architecture

    The museum is situated within a historic 17th-century building. It is located on Damrak, a notable street in the center of Amsterdam, close to the Amsterdam Centraal station.

  • Rooms named after historical figures

    Notable person

    The museum's various exhibition rooms are themed and named after famous historical figures. These include Mata Hari, Oscar Wilde, Marquis de Sade, Rudolf Valentino, and Marquise de Pompadour, among others.

  • Extensive collection explores human sexuality throughout ages

    Collection

    The Sexmuseum features an extensive collection of pictures, recordings, photos, paintings, and artifacts. Its exhibits explore the evolution of human sexuality and how sex was viewed across various historical civilizations, from Cleopatra to the Middle Ages.

Sex Museum Amsterdam FAQs: Answering Your Curious Questions

Planning your visit to the Sex Museum Amsterdam in the heart of Amsterdam? You'll find answers to common inquiries about opening hours and amenities here. We even address those unique questions, like whether your furry friend can join you, making sure your experience is as smooth as possible.

Does Sex Museum Amsterdam offer special ticket prices for children, students, or seniors?

Based on available information, the Sex Museum Amsterdam does not currently offer specific discounts for children, students, seniors, or group tickets.

How long are tickets for Sex Museum Amsterdam valid?

Tickets for the Sex Museum Amsterdam are valid for three months after purchase. They can be used once on any day of your choice within that three-month period.

How much does admission cost for Sex Museum Amsterdam?

An adult ticket for the Sex Museum Amsterdam costs 10.00 EUR. This is the standard entry price.

Is there free entry to Sex Museum Amsterdam?

No, the Sex Museum Amsterdam does not offer free entry for visitors.

Tips for Visiting Sex Museum Amsterdam

When planning your visit to Sex Museum Amsterdam in Amsterdam, please note that all visitors must be at least 16 years old, including babies, due to space limitations and the lack of an elevator. The museum offers limited accessibility for wheelchair users, who can access the ground floor free of charge. You may take photos and short videos for social media, but flash photography and selfie sticks are not permitted. While food is prohibited inside, closed bottles are allowed. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome.

Sex Museum Amsterdam: Visitor Suitability

The Sex Museum Amsterdam is primarily suited for adult visitors aged 16 and older, including solo travelers, couples, and groups interested in the historical and artistic exploration of human sexuality. Visitors should note that the museum has limited accessibility due to a lack of an elevator, meaning wheelchair users can only access the ground floor. While photography and short videos are generally permitted for social media, flash and selfie sticks are not allowed. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome under specific conditions, but strollers are not accommodated due to space constraints and the museum's age requirement.

Photos of Sex Museum Amsterdam's Exhibits

The photos of Sex Museum Amsterdam showcase a diverse collection of erotic art and historical objects. Visitors can see classical statues, framed illustrations, and detailed sculptures within the unique museum interior. The imagery highlights thematic displays, sometimes in dim or red-lit exhibition spaces, offering a visual journey into the history of human sexuality.

Pink cursive text 'Sexmuseum' with blue 'AMSTERDAM' below on black background
Entrance to the Sex Museum Amsterdam with a sign above the doorway and a statue inside
Pink cartoon building with a red heart on the front
White statue of a woman in museum interior with decorative ceiling figures and glass display cases visible in the background
Framed grid of erotic illustrations on a wall inside Sex Museum Amsterdam, with dim lighting and additional exhibits visible in background
Staff in green shirts pose in a museum interior with exhibition displays and numbered floor markers. The space features white tiled flooring and display cases.
Illuminated cut-out figures with expressive faces and red lighting in a dimly lit exhibition space
White detailed erotic sculpture with intertwined figures displayed on dark surface, likely museum exhibit
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