Erotic Museum

About

The Erotic Museum, also known as the Temple of Venus, is Amsterdam’s pioneering museum dedicated to the history and evolution of human sexuality. Nestled in a 17th‑century building on Amsterdam’s bustling Damrak, the museum offers visitors a provocative journey through time with art, photographs, recordings, and artifacts that span from ancient Egypt to modern erotica. Opened in 1985, it has drawn inover 675,000 visitors in 2015 alone, cementing its reputation as one of the most frequented museums in the Netherlands. Inside, the museum’s rooms are themed after iconic figures such as Mata Hari, Oscar Wilde, Marquis de Sade, Rudolf Valentino, and Marquise de Pompadour, each showcasing how attitudes toward sex have shifted across cultures and eras. The exhibits range from early Greek and Roman mosaics to contemporary performance pieces, offering a comprehensive narrative of sexual expression that is both educational and engaging. For those curious about the interplay between art, history, and sexuality, the museum provides an open‑eye perspective on a typically private subject. Visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace, though the museum does restrict entry for those under 16, ensuring a responsible learning environment. With its unique blend of history, art, and candid storytelling, the Erotic Museum stands out as a bold cultural landmark that invites travelers to confront and appreciate human sexuality in all its complexity.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes