An A-Z guide to Amsterdam’s Red Light Secrets museum

Journey into the hidden world of the Red Light District, home to one of the world's oldest professions, and discover the secrets of this notorious neighborhood. Situated at the city's core, the Red Light Secrets Museum extends an invitation to unearth the enigmatic tales and history that have shaped Amsterdam's iconic identity. Featuring compelling exhibits and thought-provoking insights, the museum allows you to unravel the intricate tapestry of this captivating facet of the city, including an exclusive glimpse behind the famous windows that have defined the Red Light District for centuries.

Red Light Secrets Museum - In A Nutshell

Why Is Red Light Secrets Museum Worth Visiting?

• It is the world's only museum dedicated to sex work, housed in a 17th-century former brothel.
• You can take a seat in a sex worker's window for an authentic glimpse behind the iconic glass!
• Explore thought-provoking narratives that shed light on the lives of the district’s workers, including the audio stories of Inga, Amsterdam’s most famous lady of the night.
• Uncover Amsterdam's sex work history and gain a deeper understanding of this unique and often misunderstood aspect of the city's culture.

Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets

Skip The Line Tickets: Get skip-the-line access to the Red Light Secrets Museum and breeze through long queues!

Entrance Ticket + Canal Cruise: Includes entry to the Red Light Secrets Museum, as well as a 1 hour long sight-seeing cruise of Amsterdam’s historic canals.

History Of Red Light Secrets Museum

Founded in 2018, the Amsterdam Red Light Secrets Museum was established with a dedication to presenting a comprehensive and respectful exploration of the Red Light District's heritage. Originally a 17th-century canal-side house, this unique establishment was once a bustling brothel. As times changed and perspectives evolved, the space transformed into the world’s only museum dedicated to sex work.

The museum's establishment was driven by a desire to counter misconceptions and provide a platform for open dialogue about the Red Light District's significance within Amsterdam's cultural landscape. By delving into the district's past, the Amsterdam Red Light Secrets Museum brings to light the societal factors, changes, and stories that have shaped this iconic area!

Red Light Secrets Museum Architecture

The architecture of the Red Light Secrets Museum is a captivating fusion of historical charm and modern intrigue. Housed within a 17th-century canal-side building, the museum's exterior exudes the timeless elegance of Dutch architecture. The façade retains its characteristic gabled roof and intricate detailing.

The interiors contain a mix of period features and innovative installations, highlighting the evolving nature of the Red Light District and its cultural significance. The juxtaposition of old and new architecture within the museum mirrors the larger narrative it aims to convey—the transformation of the district over the centuries and its adaptation to changing societal norms.

Top Highlights Of Red Light Secrets Museum

Best Time To Visit Red Light Secrets Museum

The Amsterdam Red Light Secrets Museum is best visited during the late afternoon or evening, allowing you to immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Red Light District as day transitions into night. The museum's operating hours provide flexibility, making it convenient to explore the exhibits at your leisure.

Additionally you can learn more about the Best Time to Visit Amsterdam.

Red Light Secrets Museum Timings

• Sunday - Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
• Last admission is 45 minutes before closing

Getting There

• Tram: Convenient tram services can take you to the museum. Hop on tram lines 4, 9, 16, or 24 and disembark at the Dam Square tram stop, which is a short walk from the Red Light Secrets Museum.
• Metro: If you prefer the metro, take lines 51, 53, or 54 and alight at the Nieuwmarkt station. From there, the museum is within walking distance.

Insider Tips to Visiting Red Light Secrets Museum

• Plan ahead by purchasing your admission tickets online to streamline your entry and avoid potential wait times.
• The museum has a minimum age restriction of 16 due to its adult subject matter. While the museum aims to be educational and informative with limited explicit content, parents and guardians are advised to consider this when bringing minors to the museum.
• The museum is not wheelchair accessible as it is housed in a historic canal house with limited space for modifications, resulting in narrow hallways and stairs. Wheelchair users can leave their chairs at the entrance if they can navigate without them.
• Photography is permitted within the museum as long as you are respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
• There is no luggage storage space in the museum and tourists must plan ahead if they are travelling with heavy luggage.
• The Amsterdam Red Lights Secret Museum is committed to promoting respectful and informed dialogue. Approach your visit with an open mind and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives.

Interesting Facts about Red Light Secrets Museum

• The museum's location was once a working brothel. This adds an extra layer of authenticity, allowing visitors explore the world of the women who once worked there.
• The museum holds a unique personal touch as the owner's wife was a former sex worker. Her portrait is displayed in one of the rooms as well.
• The museum emphasizes the global context of sex work, showcasing how it varies across different cultures and time periods.
• Red Light Secrets collaborates with local organizations and researchers to continuously update its exhibits and educational content, contributing to ongoing discussions surrounding sex work.

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