Sexmuseum Amsterdam
The world's oldest sex museum on the Damrak: erotic art, photographs and curiosities from many eras and cultures in a labyrinth of rooms.
About the museum
The Sexmuseum on the Damrak, which calls itself the “Venustempel” (Temple of Venus), opened in 1985 and is considered the first museum of its kind in the world. It started with just a small collection of 19th-century erotic objects displayed in a few showcases. Visitor numbers exceeded expectations, so the operators quickly expanded the collection.
As the collection grew, more rooms were added. Today the exhibition spreads across a 17th-century front house and two rear houses linked by a purpose-built staircase – a rambling warren of rooms and corridors. According to the museum, renovation work even uncovered two erotic finds in the foundations: a fragment of a Delft tile and a small ancient bronze figure of Hermes.
On display are paintings, sculptures, photographs, film clips, porcelain and everyday objects with erotic motifs from various cultures and centuries, along with a few humorous attractions. Some rooms are named after figures such as Mata Hari, Oscar Wilde, the Marquis de Sade and Rudolph Valentino. The privately run museum is among the most visited in central Amsterdam; it celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.
Highlights
- By its own account the world's oldest sex museum (since 1985)
- Rambling labyrinth of rooms in a 17th-century house
- Themed rooms dedicated to Mata Hari, Oscar Wilde, the Marquis de Sade and Rudolph Valentino
- Erotic art, photography and everyday objects from many cultures and eras
- Delft tile and ancient Hermes figure found in the foundations during renovations
- Founded
- 1985
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | –Admission from age 16 only; babies are not allowed either. |
| Seniors | –No discounts. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Wheelchair users can visit the first floor only and are admitted free. |
| Students & apprentices | –No student discount. |
| Families | –No family ticket (minimum age 16). |
The homepage and ticket shop list €10 including a €1 donation to a research fund at Amsterdam UMC; the FAQ lists €9 admission. The Museumkaart, CJP and other discount passes are not accepted, as the museum does not belong to any network. Online tickets are undated and valid for three months; tickets bought at the ticket desk are valid on the day of purchase only. Cash or card payment; no refunds.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
No elevator, so largely not wheelchair-accessible; wheelchair users can visit the first floor free of charge. Dogs on a leash allowed. Gender-neutral restrooms on the second floor.
Kids & families
Not suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 16+
- Family tours & workshops: not available
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Admission from age 16 only, explicitly no babies either; there is no room for strollers and no elevator.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Amsterdam Centraal
On the Damrak in the city center, near Amsterdam Centraal station.
Amenities & dining
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop: not available
No museum shop and no restaurant. Outside food is not allowed, but closed bottles are.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Photography | Photos allowed, without flash or selfie stick; short videos only. Photograph staff only with their consent. |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Each ticket is valid for a single entry; no re-entry. Consumption of alcohol and drugs in the building is prohibited. Virtual tour on the website. |
