Tell someone you went to the Museum of Sex and watch their reaction. It’s usually some combination of a raised eyebrow, a chuckle or blush and maybe a wide-eyed “You went where?” Once you get past the giggles, you’ll find that this museum is something far more interesting. It’s a masterclass in conversation, culture, and curiosity.

The brilliance of the Museum of Sex is that it opens the door to topics that are taboo or perhaps exclusive to niche audiences. It creates an environment where sex can be discussed openly and thoughtfully without necessarily being sexual. It’s a deep dive into how sex has shaped history, art, media, and everyday life and offers a look at how different cultures, eras, and individuals have navigated intimacy and desire.

You’ll explore exhibits that are as educational as they are surprising. From the pasties worn by Saweetie to vintage orgy menus (yes, they exist), the museum curates a fascinating range of artifacts that are eyebrow-raising and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of curation that makes you realize how much human expression and repression have evolved.

One of the standout moments of my visit was the exhibition Long Island Girl: The Superrealism of Carole Feuerman. Her sculptures are so incredibly lifelike and beautiful. I can’t imagine how someone discovers they can capture the human body with such realism and in great detail, but Carole Feurman does it. This exhibition is glorious reminder of how sensuality, body, and art can intersect without necessarily shouting for attention.

Higher Love: The Psychedelic Roots of Modern Sexuality is an exhibition that draws on hidden histories and overlooked stories, especially those of women, to show how psychedelic substances have transformed the way we understand sex in the 21st century. Against the backdrop of a growing movement to destigmatize psychedelics, Higher Love challenges visitors to rethink how “altered states” have shaped sexual liberation, imagination, and future possibilities. it’s about freedom, exploration, and reclaiming narratives that have long been buried. I was particularly interested in the uses of certain drugs for physical healing, mental health, and even recovery from sexual trauma and drug addiction.

After you’ve soaked in all of the history and highbrow art, the museum turns into an arena of fun. Arcade-style games like the “Glory Stall,” a racy spin on the classic photo booth, the “Claw Machine,” and a fun bouncy house all allow you to experience adult playfulness that you likely won’t find anywhere else. There’s even a stripper pole waiting for the bold or the tipsy.

All of that said, this isn’t a place for everyone. If you tend to be more traditional or conservative or happen to not like sex (in conversation or act), the Museum of Sex might not be your scene. It requires an open mind, a good sense of humor, and a willingness to be both entertained and challenged. It’s not about scandal so much as it’s about storytelling. It’s about seeing sex as a natural element of human existence and a thread that has run through humanity’s biggest questions of connection, power, beauty and rebellion.

At the end of the arcade experience, enjoy a sex-themed drink at the bar or shop at the sex store where you’ll find enduring items like coffee table books or t-shirts and other not-so-enduring novelties like edible underwear and flavored condoms.

When you visit, you may learn, laugh, or even blush. The next time someone gives you that shocked look when you tell them? Just smile. You know you experienced something far deeper than they think.

Plan Your Visit