THE HISTORY OF DESIRE
Step inside the world’s oldest Sexmuseum
A unique journey through erotic art, culture and curiosity. From ancient times to modern desire.
MORE THAN A MUSEUM
A celebration of humanity, desire and culture
The Sexmuseum Amsterdam is the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of sex. Since 1985, we’ve been collecting, preserving and sharing stories that are as fascinating as they are timeless. From ancient rituals to modern freedom, discover how sexuality has shaped art, culture and human connection.
1985
The year the world’s first sex museum opened in Amsterdam
5,000+
Objects, artworks and curiosities in the collection
500K+
Curious visitors from around the world every year
5
Floors of art, history, curiosity and discovery
INSIDE THE MUSEUM
Multiple floors of delightful surprises
history of sexuality
Journey through centuries of desire, rituals, taboos and changing ideas about intimacy.
erotic art & imagery
Discover how artists, cultures and collectors have captured beauty, pleasure and imagination through time.
rare objects & curiosities
Explore unusual artefacts, vintage pieces and unexpected finds from the museum’s private collection.
culture & conversation
See how sexuality has shaped society, identity, freedom and the way we talk about desire today.
A TIMELINE OF DESIRE
From ancient desire to modern freedom
Six thousand years of desire, condensed into a stroll, drag to travel through time.
Before 3000 BCE
Prehistory
Fertility figures show that desire has always been part of human culture.
3000 BCE / 500 CE
Ancient worlds
Sexuality appeared in myth, sculpture and poetry.
500 / 1900
Hidden in plain sight
Desire lived on in secret art and forbidden books.
1900 / 1985
The private revolution
Taboo made way for curiosity.
1985 / Today
Our story
The Venustempel opens on the Damrak.
loved by curious minds
What our visitors
have to say
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Anyone aged 16 or over is welcome, and the minimum age applies to all visitors, including babies and young children. Our historic building does not have a lift, which means that most floors are not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users are very welcome to visit the ground floor free of charge.
Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the museum, but feel free to take your time.
It isn’t compulsory, but if you book online, you won’t have to queue at the entrance during busy periods. Online tickets remain valid for a year.
Yes, photos and short videos are very welcome, and you’re free to share them. Please do not use a flash or selfie sticks, and only take photos of our staff with their permission.
Yes, there are gender-neutral toilets on the first floor.
The museum does not have a restaurant or café, but along the Damrak and around Central Station, just a short walk from here, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink.
Yes, provided your dog is kept on a lead, is house-trained and behaves calmly in the presence of visitors and staff.
open every day
10:00 – 18:00*
location
minimum age
16+
