If your partner says your sexual techniques belong in a museum, don’t resign yourself to being a dusty relic. Spice things up with a visit to the Museum of Sex.
Located on Fifth Avenue and 27th Street, a discreet distance from the more conservative Museum Mile, the MoSex opened in 2002 as the first institution of its kind dedicated to exploring the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality. Its provocative collection includes drawings, paintings, photographs, film and video, ancient artifacts, and old and new technology.
A great introduction to the MoSex is the current exhibition, Action: Sex and the Moving Image, which traces the way sexual imagery has impacted film, television, advertising, and the internet, shaping and defining our culture, social standards, and behavior. Maybe your taste runs toward classic 1940s pinup stars and your partner can’t stop downloading the latest D-list celebrity porn – either way, this exhibit has something to titillate.
At MoSex, the gift shop alone is worth the price of admission. The Bettie Page Zippo is so hot, it’ll make you want to take up smoking. Or get a little cheeky the next time you have a dinner party by bringing out the brightly colored ceramic Shunga Tile as a naughty little trivet. How can you resist the Pink Polka Dotia, “functional art” that looks as pretty on the coffee table as it does in your bed? There’s no end to the number of souvenirs you’ll want to bring home. We’re sitting on The Cone right now...
Tonight the museum is having its first-ever gala to benefit The Muse Foundation of New York, a not-for-profit that works directly with the museum to support and expand its collection. Featuring a special performance by international burlesque star Dita Von Teese, the event is being held at the Angel Orensanz Foundation Center, a stunning former church in the East Village. Tickets are still available and start at $150 for general admission.
