Musee de l’Erotisme museum in Paris
This is an adults only museum of erotism and erotic art that is located in the appropriate Montmartre area of Paris, which used to be known for its brothels and seedy entertainment and it exhibits the historical, unusual and modern day art. CLOSED
About the Musee de l’Erotisme in Paris
This museum first opened its doors in 1997 in a building that was a former cabaret venue and spread over seven floors it was started through the private collection of different artefacts and erotic art belonging to Alain Plumey.
There are always several temporary exhibitions held at any one time that are categorised by themes or artists and these often run for several months at a time, so there will always be something unusual on display, plus there are different sections to the Musee de l’Erotisme that you can discover.
The Permanent Exhibitions..
The Brothel
Prostitution and brothels were commonplace in most parts of Europe and Montmartre especially around the Pigalle area was a popular place for these types of establishments right through to 1946 when they were all closed down.
In this section of the museum located on the second floor, which was produced by Romi who is a writer and journalist, you can discover a spectacular collection of rare documents, photos and drawings dating from the 19th century right through to 1946 when these brothels were closed for good.
Contemporary Art
The 20th century saw that people were becoming more open minded regarding the body and sex and contemporary artists generally acknowledge the love making function. And since the Musee de l’Erotisme opened in 1997, it has remained free of official pressure, and is therefore able to present works from over 150 different artists from around the world.
Sacred Art
Many modern religions believe that sex is a cause of evil, however, in times gone by through different cults and in primitive religions, there was believed to be a natural link between religion and sex. Plus, all over the world, fertility has immortalised life where people would worship the forces of reproduction.
And it is within this section of the Musee de l’Erotisme that you can discover numerous different objects from models, sculptures amulets, masks and many ceremonial objects from all over the world.
Popular Art
Popular erotic art goes beyond the taboo and often known as curiosa, it can be humorous, satirical, give impressions of joy and health and is an expression of free thought, and there is a section within this museum dedicated to popular erotic art in its various forms.
So, as you can tell, this is an unusual museum that is not sordid, but obviously for adults only, and has very interesting galleries for the permanent exhibitions, but as we mentioned before, there are also several temporary exhibitions held simultaneously at different times of the year, each year.
Access to Musee de l’Erotisme in Paris
This is one of the very few museums in Paris that is open until very late, and in fact you can visit any day of the week at any time between 10am and 2am in the morning, even on national French holidays.
Entry to the Musee de l’Erotisme is a cost of €10 as of 2013, however, if you book your ticket at their website, or print off a voucher and take it with you to the museum, then you can obtain a discount, and the cost is then only €8 per adult or only €14 for a couple.
Now the nearest Metro station is called Blanche or alternatively, if you are travelling by bus to the Pigalle and Montmartre area, which is also home to the Moulin Rouge cabaret venue in Paris, then you would need numbers 30, 54, 74, 80 or 95.
