Top 5 Amsterdam Red Light District Museums You Shouldn’t Miss
Posted on: november 1, 2024
5 Best Amsterdam Red Light District Museums
Amsterdam Red Light District museums offer a unique glimpse into the history, culture, and hidden stories.
Many people think the district is only known for its nightlife, but there’s so much more to discover.
These five museums provide a deeper, richer understanding of this iconic area. Want to explore the district’s hidden gems and uncover a new side of Amsterdam? Keep reading!
There is a lot to do in ‘De Wallen‘. Also for those who want to learn something. There are currently five museums in Amsterdam Red Light District. At these museums you can learn more about cannabis, prostitutie, the Red Light District, religion, erotica and… watches.
1 | Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
In this museum in Amsterdam you can view cannabis plants up close, among others.
The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum in Amsterdam is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of cannabis. The museum traces the plant’s history from its earliest known use in ancient China to its present-day role in the Netherlands. Visitors will learn about the different ways that cannabis can be used, from medication to recreation, and will see a wide variety of artifacts, including pipes, bongs, and other smoking paraphernalia. The museum also contains a “grow room” where visitors can see how cannabis is cultivated. With its informative exhibits and engaging displays, the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum provides a fascinating look at one of the world’s most controversial plants.
Located on the famous street in the Red Light District one can find Amsterdam’s cannabis museum. It was founded in 1985 by one of Holland’s most important cannabis pioneers: Ben Dronkers – who’s also the CEO of Sensi Seeds. He was one of the first to become commercially involved with cannabis in Amsterdam from the 1970s onwards.
Did you know that at one time in Europe 80% of all clothing was made out of cannabis hemp? And did you know that it is illegal to grow cannabis commercially in the Netherlands? Just two fun facts you learn at the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum.
It offers audio tours in many languages.
Visitors to the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum can expect to find world’s largest collection of artefacts relating to the history of cannabis, its cultivation and its uses over the centuries.
The cannabis collection is located on the ground floor where one can get an audio tour in six different languages. This museum in Amsterdam Red Light District is not too big and a visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Recensies
✦ Google: 3,715 reviews | 4,3 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 729 reviews | 4 out of 5 stars.
Tickets
✦ Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
✦ Price: 9 euro
2 | Red Light Secrets – Museum of Prostitution
An interactive exhibition inside the Museum of Prostitution.
Do you want to know what it is like to stand in the windows? Do you want to learn how prostitutes become successful? Or, do you want to see what a brothel looks like from the inside?
Then visit this Museum of Prostitution in Amsterdam, named Red Light Secrets. Learn more about legal sex work in the Netherlands. It’s super interesting!
What does it feel like to stand in the windows?
Become A Successful Prostitute
Inside you can also read 10 ways how sekswerkers become successful. We listed 3 most important sex work secrets:
- POSTURE. Pout those lips and work those hips. Stand upright and accentuate your curves.
- CHEERFUL. Make sure you look cheerful. Men don’t enjoy spending money in a surly woman.
- STAND OUT. Sitting quietly like the Mona Lisa will not get you attention. When you go unnoticed, you will have no business. Make sure to stand out.
The museum even has an imitation window brothel.
Red Light Secrets used to be a building with real window brothels, but the city of Amsterdam bought it from a sex entrepreneur during Project 1012. The municipality wanted more variety in the Red Light District, so since 2014 the Museum of Prostitution has been around. Visit this attraction and get educated about one of the oldest professions in the world.
Recensies
✦ Google: 15,576 reviews | 4,2 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 2,339 reviews | 4 out of 5 stars.
Tickets
✦ Hours: 10 AM – 12 PM
✦ Price: 12,50 euro
3 | Our Lord in the Attic
Binnen Ons Lieve Heer op Solder.
One of the best hidden gems in Amsterdam is this secret church. It’s located at number 40 on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the Red Light District. Our Lord in the Attic is one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam. The second oldest to be exact.
Only the Rijksmuseum is older. It was established in 1888, its attic served as a Catholic church for two centuries. A hidden church in which Catholics could worship covertly when it was forbidden to do so in public.
The last hidden church in Amsterdam may not be missed!
FACT: This church museum in Amsterdam is located next to a cannabis coffeeshop.
This church within a 17th-century Dutch house has been beautifully preserved. It offers an authentic glimpse into a house of a rich man during the affluent Dutch Golden Age. Here you can learn more about the history of Amsterdam and religion in Holland.
The director of this museum in Amsterdam – in the attic of Ons Lieve Heer op Solder.
Our Lord In The Attic is also one of the highlights in the Amsterdam Audio Stories app. It offers a red light district tour with stories of 22 experts, including the director of this museum and Russell Shorto – writer and historian, about the Red Light District. For just 5 euro you can learn everything about the Red Light District in Amsterdam. Download the app today in the Apple App Store.
Recensies
✦ Google: 2,089 reviews | 4,7 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 3,373 reviews | 4,5 out of 5 stars.
Tickets
✦ Hours: 10 PM – 6 PM
✦ Price: 12,50 euro
4 | Erotic Museum
One of the funniest museums in Amsterdam.
Looking for a fun and unique way to spend an afternoon in Amsterdam? Then be sure to check out the Erotic Museum! This quirky museum offers visitors a rare glimpse into the history of sex and sexuality.
From ancient Egyptian artifacts to vintage pornography, there is something to interest everyone. The Erotic Museum is also home to the world’s largest collection of erotica, making it a must-see for anyone with an interest in the topic.
The Erotic Museum in Amsterdam is located on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal – just in opposite of the Moulin Rouge. It portrays the history of eroticism and een man en vrouw liggend op een bed met witte lakens terwijl ze met elkaar zoenen tijdens een sexdate through the ages. This is one of those museums in Amsterdam where you can take perfect photos for your Instagram account. It is a kind of Instagram museum as it offers numerous erotic art objects that will impress your followers.
The Erotic Museum is a great place to update your Instagram-account.
This museum is owned by the same entrepreneur who also manages the erotic theatre Casa Rosso, strip club Hospital Bar, Sex Palace Peep Show, The Bananenbar and Sexy Loo.
So why not add it to your list of things to do in Amsterdam? You might just be surprised at what you learn!
Recensies
✦ Google: 2,120 reviews | 3,6 out of 5 stars.
✦ TripAdvisor: 454 reviews | 2,5 out of 5 stars.
Tickets
✦ Hours: 11 AM – 12 PM
✦ Price: 7 euro
5 | Sex Museum Amsterdam
We believe the Sex Museum in Amsterdam, also known as “Venustempel,” or “Museum of Sex” is a fascinating destination for those intrigued by the history and art of human sexuality. Located near Amsterdam’s Central Station at Damrak 18, it stands as the world’s first and oldest museum dedicated to eroticism. We find its collection, including erotic art, sculptures, and photographs, both educational and thought-provoking. The museum offers a unique glimpse into how sexual themes have influenced culture and art through the ages.
We think it’s a must-visit for open-minded adults seeking a deeper understanding of sexuality’s role in human history. However, due to explicit content, it may not be suitable for everyone. We suggest avoiding it if sexual themes make you uncomfortable or if you’re accompanied by children. In our view, the Sex Museum is a place for mature audiences ready to explore this integral aspect of human nature.
Other Museums
If you’re planning to explore the cultural side of Amsterdam, don’t miss out on its intriguing museums. Among these, the Upside Down Museum offers a unique, interactive experience that flips the conventional museum visit on its head—literally! This attraction is perfect for those looking to add an unconventional twist to their itinerary, blending art with playful engagement.
ONTDEK OOK:
15 Things To Do In Amsterdam Red Light District
