The Museum of Sex New York, a Sex Therapist’s Take on Pleasure, Play, and Healing
What a Visit to the Museum of Sex Reminded Me About Pleasure, Curiosity, and Being Human
Whenever I am in New York City, I make time to visit the Museum of Sex. The exhibits are always changing, and every visit feels like an invitation to explore something new visually, emotionally, and creatively. It is not just entertainment, it is a chance to engage with sexuality in a way that is bold, curious, and free of shame. The museum’s mission is to preserve and present the history, evolution, and cultural significance of human sexuality, which aligns so closely with my work and values. NYC Tourism
A Personal Moment in a Public Space
Years ago, I spoke at the Museum of Sex during an event with Vagisil. I stood in that iconic space and talked to a room full of women about sexual shame and what it means to reclaim pleasure. It was surreal and powerful. Every time I return, I feel proud of the work I do and the conversations I help open up for patients, couples, and communities.
This Visit, Psychedelics, Pleasure, and Pure Fun
One of the featured exhibits explored psychedelics and sexuality, an intersection I have been curious about for some time. I believe plant medicine can support sexual healing in thoughtful, intentional contexts, helping people release shame and access deeper states of connection and pleasure. The museum recently hosted “Higher Love, The Psychedelic Roots of Modern Sexuality,” a guest-curated exhibition that examined how psychedelic culture has shaped modern attitudes toward sex, identity, and intimacy. chacruna.net
Then there was the erotic carnival. Picture bright lights, playful games, and a giant slide that begins with a mouth and ends with you sliding out the back of a body. It sounds wild, and it is, and yet it is also joyfully human. The museum’s “Super Funland, Journey into the Erotic Carnival” blends art, history, and amusement to spark curiosity. There is even a 4D group-themed ride that people often describe as an “orgy” experience. You really have to be there to understand the humor and delight. YelpThe StatesmanTripadvisor
What struck me most was the feeling of permission, permission to laugh, to be curious, to engage with sexuality in a way that is playful and nonjudgmental. For many people, that is healing.
Sex Is History, Too
The Museum of Sex is not only about sensation, it is also about context. Through art, photography, film, and design, the museum tells stories of how people have explored, expressed, and experienced sexuality across time. Seeing those cultural narratives helps us understand where our beliefs come from, and it opens the door to rewriting the scripts that no longer serve us today. The institution’s ongoing collection and changing exhibitions make that history accessible for adult audiences. I Love NYMoSex NY Tickets
The Gift Shop, Pleasure With Intention
Yes, the gift shop is a highlight. It feels curated and pleasure-focused, which mirrors the museum’s approach to education and play. Many well-known sexual wellness brands appear here, and I love guiding patients toward products that support comfort, curiosity, and communication in their intimate lives. Consumer guides often point to brands like Dame, LELO, Magic Wand, Womanizer, and others, which reflects a wider cultural shift toward quality and design in sexual wellness. Glamour
Why I Keep Coming Back
My clinical work can be intense, especially when I am supporting people through trauma, shame, or relationship challenges. Spaces like the Museum of Sex help me reconnect to the joy and curiosity that first drew me to this field. Sexuality is not only clinical, it is creative, emotional, and deeply human. It can be fun, and fun can be healing.
If you are ever in New York City, go. Make the time. Wander the exhibits, laugh, learn, and let yourself be reminded that pleasure is something to celebrate in practice, not only in theory. If you go, check current hours and ticketing before you visit so you can plan your experience. MoSex NY Tickets
