Amsterdam Sex Museum (Venustempel): Tickets, Prices & Inside Look

Planning a visit to the Amsterdam Sex Museum (Venustempel)? Here is everything you need to know: ticket prices, opening hours, and what's inside.

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February 3, 2026·5 min read

Amsterdam Sex Museum (Venustempel): Tickets, Prices & Inside Look

You are walking down Damrak, the busy avenue connecting Central Station to Dam Square, and suddenly you see it. Among the souvenir shops and waffle stores, the Amsterdam Sex Museum stands out with its quirky entrance. Also known as the Venustempel, this place is not just a museum; it is a rite of passage for many travelers visiting the city. You might be wondering if it is just a tourist trap or actually worth your time.

We are taking you inside the world's first and oldest sex museum to see what the fuss is all about. Unlike the serious museums on Museumplein, this spot offers a mix of history, humor, and a bit of shock value.

Location: Damrak 18 (Near Central Station)
Entrance Fee: €10
Age Limit: 16+ (ID required)
Typical Visit Time: 45-60 minutes
Payment: Card only (mostly), cash is rarely accepted at the door recently.

What to Expect Inside?

When you step inside, the first thing you notice is the tight space. The museum is housed in a 17th-century building, so you are navigating narrow staircases and small rooms. This adds to the atmosphere, making it feel like you are exploring a hidden cabinet of curiosities.

You start your journey at the entrance, often greeted by a plaster statue of Marilyn Monroe with her skirt blowing up. This is usually the first photo op where visitors stop.

Marilyn Monroe wax figure with blowing skirt at Amsterdam Sex Museum entrance — The famous Marilyn Monroe statue greets you right at the entrance.

As you move deeper into the corridors, you realize this place does not take itself too seriously. You encounter animatronic figures that move unexpectedly. Do not be surprised if a flasher in a trench coat opens his coat as you walk by, or if you hear sudden noises designed to make you jump. It is all part of the Venustempel experience.

The Collection: More Than Just Naughty Pictures

You might expect walls covered only in pornography, but the collection is surprisingly diverse. The museum claims to explore the history of human sexuality through the ages. You are looking at a vast collection of artifacts that includes:

Historical Erotica: You see plates, vases, and sculptures from ancient times, including Roman phalluses and Asian erotic art.

Collection of ancient Roman erotic pottery and sculptures on display — The collection includes historical artifacts dating back to Roman times.

The Victorian Era: There is a fascinating section dedicated to the 19th century, showing early erotic photography and hidden collections that were once considered scandalous.
Famous Figures: You find rooms dedicated to historical icons of sexuality. Mata Hari, the Dutch exotic dancer and spy, has her own section. You also learn about Marquis de Sade and Rudolph Valentino, exploring how these figures influenced the perception of sex in their times.

The museum does a good job of mixing the educational with the bizarre. You are looking at chastity belts (some real, some replicas) next to vintage contraptions that leave you guessing their purpose.

Historical exhibit featuring Mata Hari figure and information at Amsterdam Sex Museum — Learn about the life of Mata Hari, the famous Dutch exotic dancer and spy.

Entrance Fee & Tickets: Is it Worth €10?

Amsterdam is an expensive city. A ticket to the major art museums can cost over 20 Euros. In comparison, the Amsterdam Sex Museum charges a modest entry fee of €10.

For this price, you are getting about an hour of entertainment. It is one of the most budget-friendly attractions in the city center. If you are looking for a high-tech, polished museum experience, you might be disappointed. But if you want a few laughs with friends and some interesting historical trivia, the €10 fee is a bargain.

Important Note: Do not confuse this museum with the Red Light Secrets (Museum of Prostitution) or the Erotic Museum. They are different venues. The Venustempel is the one located on Damrak with the Sex Museum sign clearly visible.

Practical Information for Visitors

You are planning your visit, so here are the practical details you need to know to avoid any hassle.

Location and How to Get There

You find the museum at Damrak 18. It is incredibly central.

From Central Station: You just walk straight out of the station, head down the main street (Damrak), and you reach it in about 5 minutes. It is on the left side.

View of Amsterdam Central Station from Damrak street near the museum — Located just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

From Dam Square: You walk towards the station, and it is on your right, past the department store.

Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit

The museum is open daily from 11:00–19:00. Because the corridors are narrow and the staircases are steep (typical Amsterdam style), it gets very crowded on weekends and afternoons.

Pro Tip: You should try visiting on a weekday morning or late evening if you want to avoid squeezing past other tourists.

Age Limit and Rules

This is a strict rule: You must be 16+ or older to enter. The staff at the counter will ask for ID if you look young, so have your passport or driving license ready. Photography is generally allowed, so feel free to take pictures of the weird and wonderful exhibits to show your friends back home.

You are now ready to explore one of Amsterdam's most talked-about attractions. Just watch your step on those stairs and enjoy the history lesson!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The entrance ticket costs €10 per person. This fee makes it one of the most budget-friendly attractions in the city center compared to other major museums.

Yes, you must be at least 16+ years old to enter the Amsterdam Sex Museum. The staff at the entrance is strict about this rule, so make sure you have a valid ID or passport with you to prove your age.

You do not strictly need to book online as you can buy tickets at the door, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid waiting in line. If you buy at the door, keep in mind that they usually only accept card payments.

A typical visit lasts between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reading the historical descriptions. It is a compact museum, so it fits perfectly into a busy sightseeing schedule without taking up your whole afternoon.

Yes, photography is allowed and actually encouraged throughout the museum. Many visitors take photos with the giant phalluses or the statues for funny souvenirs, but please be respectful of other visitors while doing so.

The museum is a popular spot for both couples looking for a laugh and solo travelers curious about history. The atmosphere is more humorous and historical than sleazy, so most people feel comfortable walking around regardless of who they are with.

Unfortunately, the museum is not wheelchair accessible due to the architecture of the 17th-century canal house. There are steep, narrow staircases and no elevators, which makes it difficult for visitors with limited mobility to navigate the floors.

The Sex Museum (Venustempel) is located on Damrak and focuses on a general history of sexuality with a humorous twist, while the Erotic Museum is in the Red Light District and focuses more on erotic art specific to that area. The Venustempel is generally considered the older and more extensive collection of the two.

Published in

Netherlands