It is officially recognized as the oldest sex museum in the world.
The building housing the museum dates back to 1650.
The collection includes an original mural by the famous Dutch artist Peter Klashorst.
Visitors are greeted by a life-sized statue of Marilyn Monroe in the lobby.
The museum holds a significant collection of 19th-century erotic postcards and lithographs.
It was founded by the Amsterdam-based collector Monique van Marle.
The Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel is the world's oldest museum dedicated to human sexuality, having opened in 1985. It is located in a historic 17th-century canal house situated on the main Damrak thoroughfare. The collection spans thousands of years, covering the history of eroticism from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Visitors navigate through a series of rooms filled with phallic artifacts, erotic paintings, photographs, and historical curiosities. Key exhibits include erotic dolls, mechanical displays, and memorabilia associated with famous figures like Mata Hari and Marilyn Monroe. The museum offers an educational perspective on how different cultures have perceived and portrayed sexuality over time. It maintains an extensive archive of historical erotic literature and visual media.
The lobby entrance featuring the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue provides the most recognizable backdrop.
The stairs are steep and narrow, typical of traditional Dutch canal houses, so wear comfortable footwear.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid heavy crowds.
The museum is spread across multiple levels without elevator access.
Avoid visiting with children, as the content is strictly adult-oriented and explicit.
Photography is permitted throughout the museum for personal use; refrain from touching the delicate historical artifacts.
