Museum of Sex New York: Science, Pop Culture and Late Nights

Contrary to what you might imagine, the Museum of Sex in New York -also known as MoSex– takes a very scientific, anthropological approach to human sexuality. But a very fun one too XD

It also digs into the industries built around sex, businesses New York has always had a close relationship with. As you'll see, this is one of those New York museums that's truly one of a kind and perfectly in tune with this city we love.

If you're curious about New York's relationship with the sex industry, I recommend the HBO series The Deuce. It explores the early days of the porn industry in 1970s Times Square, a neighborhood that was nothing like the light-filled, tourist-packed Times Square of today.

This is one of the few New York museums that stay open late. On Fridays and Saturdays it's open until midnight. Those time slots are in high demand, so it's key to buy your tickets in advance.

What to see at the Museum of Sex

The Museum of Sex is very close to the Empire State, so you can swing by before or after visiting one of the most iconic observation decks in Manhattan.

The museum was founded in 2002 to preserve the cultural significance of human sexuality and to lay out New York City's long relationship with the sex industry.

You'll see that sex and New York have a relationship that's both very liberal and deeply conflicted, something decades of series and films set in the city have documented.

The Museum of Sex collection

The permanent collection at New York's Museum of Sex -MoSex- is curated with a very entertaining mix: an academic approach with sex shop decor.

Among more than 15,000 objects you'll find films, magazines, photographs, costumes and clothing, plus artifacts like blow-up dolls, vintage condoms and vibrators, and coin-operated peep shows.

There are also displays on tittie bars, drag shows, the pornography business and even street prostitution in New York City.

The temporary exhibitions change often, and they run along the lines of «erotic obsession in Asia» or «Porno Chic to Sex Positivity: Erotic Content and the Mainstream, 1960 to Today.» Interesting, right? You can check what's currently on view on the museum's official website.

The Museum of Sex shop

MoSex has a souvenir shop full of very original stuff that will make you look good when you get home. Entry to the museum shop is free, you don't need a ticket to browse it.

Address

233 Fifth Avenue at 27th Street, Manhattan

Getting there

Subway N, R, W. 23rd St station

Prices

Only visitors 18 and over are allowed in.

Adults US$ 43.55

Hours

Monday to Thursday 1 pm to 10 pm
Friday 1 pm to midnight
Saturday 12 pm to midnight
Sunday 12 pm to 10 pm
Closed Thanksgiving, November 28, and Christmas