The museum was founded in 2002 by Daniel Gluck, who aimed to provide a scholarly approach to a topic often ignored by traditional institutions.
The collection includes a significant archive of rare erotic photography and historical artifacts dating back to the 19th century.
MoSex has featured permanent installations like the 'Functional Sex Toys' exhibit, which displays the design evolution of intimacy devices.
The museum building formerly housed the offices of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, which once worked to censor the very topics the museum now exhibits.
The museum’s architecture integrates rotating thematic galleries that require complete interior redesigns between major exhibitions.
The Museum of Sex, or MoSex, explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality through rotating immersive exhibitions. Located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 27th Street, the museum occupies a historic building in Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood. It maintains a collection of over 15,000 artifacts, artworks, photographs, and costumes related to sexual history. Exhibitions are curated by academic and professional experts to provide a comprehensive look at human sexual identity. The institution focuses on shifting societal attitudes and the intersection of technology and desire. It serves as both an educational resource and a space for contemporary art, hosting interdisciplinary projects that challenge traditional museum norms. As of mid-2026, the museum continues its mission to address sexuality with an objective, research-based approach.
The neon-lit entryway and the lobby’s recurring abstract art installations.
Book tickets online in advance to secure a specific entry slot, as high-traffic exhibitions can sell out.
Visit the gift shop for a curated selection of books, design objects, and unique educational materials.
Check the official website for current exhibit advisory notices to gauge the content level before visiting.
Avoid arriving without a pre-booked digital ticket, as walk-ins are not guaranteed during peak periods.
Visitors must be at least 18 years old to enter; government-issued ID is required for entry.
