Julio H.
Yelp
My only dislike is that pictures are not allowed. At the same time, I understand it is a regulation that not only protects the museum, but also protects other people that may be offended by such pictures. Who those people might be, I don't know.
**Note: Since posting this review, I have been notified by management that pictures are allowed**
Before I continue, I want to mention that I have been to several erotic museums worldwide, and even though I would like to dismiss them as cheap, and a bit vulgar, there is always something new to learn with each visit. No matter the city or culture, there is always some history that lays dormant behind a naked body, regardless of its position.
This museum is by far one of the largest I have seen to date. Towards the end of my visit I was tired of seeing so many pieces (no pun intended). If you consider that I am a male in a sea of nudity, this must mean something. Plus, it is not only the quantity of the artwork exhibited, but the size of some of the exhibits. Some are very small, and you have to pay attention to the tiny intricate details of a lot of these pieces. My eyes were tired, and that made my primitive brain tired also.
A list of some really interesting things in this museum: a room dedicated to the story of Lady Godiva and the poor Peeping Tom; a collection of photographs taken when the Nazi German Army invaded Leningrad, pictures featuring Catherine's The Great erotic collection (plus a replica from one of her furniture pieces); some legit pre-Columbian clay and stone figurines; some decorated brass plates that came from the Netherlands when Flanders was a world power (1600's), among others.
A couple of exhibits that I found very interesting were the myth of Leda and The Swan that, if you travel through Europe, you will find depicted everywhere; and the other one is the myth of Adam and Eve, and the origin of mankind (it's a myth, right?).
If you are still reading, this may seal the deal for you in regards to going/not going. There are walls covered in erotic art that are very pornographic in nature, yet somewhat artistic and thought provoking. For instance, after seeing a room full of Japanese paintings depicting intercourse, I started to wonder if this is just pornography. The artistic nature of the work doesn't lead me to believe so, and neither does the quality nor the historical value. I could only ask "What do you think?".
And finally, the piece that created a more visceral emotion from me: a cast sculpture of a woman's rear end. It is so detailed I almost felt it was the real thing. If it wasn't because it is painted green, I would have though I was at a gentleman's club. Extremely realistic and in your face. Needless to say, I found it extremely interesting and captivating...