Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel — Attraction in Amsterdam

I went here expecting a museum on sex. Transgressive, moving, challenging, difficult, funny at times (as is vital for getting that first nibble of engagement in this history), but overall challenging. Sex has a history worthy of being taught, discussed, loved and remembered. Its history is fundamentally disruptive, it proves time and time again that the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves and our civility, or cultural values we cherish so dearly, are phantasms, fraudulent, damaging and restrictive. A great history of sex is liberating, horrifying, capable of finally bridging the feelings you have to a sexual experience or stirring an anger within you so passionate that it changes your world, how you carry yourself. A good sex museum should guide you through this messy process, you should be welcomed to challenge monoliths from society and within yourself. Together you can tackle a history many consider unthinkable, impossible, and uncomfortable throughout exhibitions and archives and artefacts.

I went here expecting a museum on sex. I found a place devoid of meaning.

The museum utilities animatronic humans throughout several exhibits, which often engage in sexual activities or attempt to entice you to go in further, hopefully learn more. However, all these machines do is create a sense of discomfort in the air. It takes sex and begs you to mock it, wants you to disregard critical thought and be shocked. This is not uncommon with most of the museum; everything is meant to shock you and make you go "wow, a penis!" Instead of engage with any of its artefacts.

These animatronics also lead to a horrific soundscape within the museum. I felt overstimulated and overwhelmed within minutes of entering the building and planned routes to avoid as many of the robots and models as possible upon leaving. This, alongside the winding staircases and a general disregard for ramps, also render this museum utterly inaccessible.

This is a wider issue thematically with the museum: it masquerades as being "sex positive" whilst mocking the subject matter. Again, I believe humour is a good way to engage people with this topic, but there has to be a point where the matter at hand is respected, the jokes stop and the discussion begins.

This is only worsened through the labelling system of the museum, which refuses to interrogate what it is showing you. Items are given short introductions, which are somewhat useful for visitors, but they are JUST giving you what you need to get what an item is, not why it is significant nor why it should be considered important.

A prominent example in my mind is a cane depicting African people having sex from 1936. This is one of the few artefacts available regarding African sexuality (since the museum is WOEFULLY Eurocentric), and yet it is placed lazily in a cabinet, it's connection to colonialism is skimmed over and the violence and disrespect the item represents to the people it depicts echoes through its mismanagement. This room also had several statues depicting rape without any discussion, and a lifesized model of Marilyn Monroe, which further muddies the already under emphasised discussions and importance of these artefacts.

Some areas had even less, such as a queer "history" section, although I hesitate to even call it that. Several low effort PowerPoints are played on loop whilst information which reads as if taken from Wikipedia is displayed. At least here the images are interesting to look at, but the previously mentioned lack of descriptions shatters any hope that a meaningful discussion of queer sexuality can be had in the museum. It felt rushed, as if they realised one (of many) of their biased and hastily made an exhibit. This led to the objectification of queer bodies, especially trans bodies, who were paraded as sexual things rather than people: sexual identity was less discussed as it was enveloping, completely removing their history and agency.

The whole museum is disgustingly racist in ways I don't have the room to describe.

In all, avoid...

The Amsterdam Sex Museum is a unique and eye-opening attraction that provides an intriguing glimpse into the history and culture of human sexuality. While it may not be for everyone, it offers an educational and thought-provoking experience.

This museum's collection spans centuries, showcasing a wide range of artifacts, art, and exhibits that explore the diverse facets of human sexuality. It's a place where you can learn about the evolution of attitudes toward sex and see how societies have depicted it through art and media over time.

The exhibits are presented in a tasteful and informative manner, making it a place where visitors can engage in self-reflection and gain a deeper understanding of the role of sexuality in human life.

Visitors should be aware that some content can be explicit, but the museum does an excellent job of presenting it in a respectful and non-sensationalist way. The museum's staff is also knowledgeable and approachable, ready to answer questions and provide insights.

If you're open to exploring the history and cultural aspects of human sexuality in a respectful and educational setting, the Amsterdam Sex Museum is worth a visit. It's a unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain a deeper appreciation for this fundamental aspect of...

The Amsterdam Sexmuseum offers an entertaining journey through the history of human sexuality, filled with quirky exhibits and a playful atmosphere. The displays range from ancient erotic art to modern sex toys, providing a comprehensive look at human sexual expression. There are plenty of vintage photos, sculptures, and interactive elements to keep you engaged and often amused. 🏛️📸

However, the museum could benefit from more representation of the LGBTQ+ community. While there are a few art pieces that touch on LGBTQ+ themes, the overall lack of dedicated exhibits is noticeable. The museum mainly focuses on heterosexual narratives, which feels like a missed opportunity to fully celebrate the diversity of human sexuality. 🌈

The historical context provided is insightful, showing how attitudes towards sex have evolved. Yet, it would have been even more enlightening with a broader inclusion of LGBTQ+ perspectives throughout history. 🕰️💡

Despite this, the Amsterdam Sexmuseum is worth a visit for those with an open mind and a sense of adventure. It’s an entertaining and educational attraction, but with room for more inclusive...