Museum of Sex

The Basics

The first of its kind in New York when it opened close to two decades ago, the Museum of Sex offers a boundary-pushing experience for adult visitors. Besides the works and objects on display (ranging from sexually explicit videos and imagery to historical ephemera and old-fashioned birth control devices), the museum also features virtual-reality installations and interactive novelties such as a breast-inspired bouncy castle. To save time at the entrance, book your ticket in advance.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Museum of Sex is accessible only to visitors age 18 and above.

• Free tours are offered five days per week; see the museum’s website for details.

• There’s a gift store and bar on-site.

• Except for the gift store and bar, the museum isn’t accessible to wheelchairs.

• Service animals are permitted inside, and a free coat check service is provided.

How to Get There

Located at Fifth Avenue and 27th Street, the Museum of Sex is easy to get to by subway. Take the N, Q, R, or W train to 28th Street Broadway, or the 1, 2, 4, or 6 train to 28th Street. Numerous bus lines also serve the area.

When to Get There

The Museum of Sex is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 12am, and on Valentine’s Day until 12am. Last admission is two hours prior to closing.

Flatiron District Attractions

Want to couple your museum visit with other neighborhood stops? Check out these Flatiron District highlights: the eponymous Flatiron Building, the National Museum of Mathematics, Eataly (an emporium of Italian food), and Madison Square Park (location of the first-ever Shake Shack).

Ways to explore

It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance to save time on arrival; the museum also has timed entry, and the most popular slots do sometimes sell out. Booking options include basic tickets and packages with specialty gifts, cocktails at the bar, and even THC gummies. If you’re visiting more than one attraction in New York City, consider booking a multi-attraction pass that gains you entry into multiple places. For many travelers, they’re a time- and money-saving alternative to making several bookings around NYC.

Accessibility

Only the retail store and bar are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

Visitors must be 18 years or older.

What to pack

Photo identification (to show age), credit card for exhibits with extra fees

What to wear

The code of conduct requires “proper attire”—in this case, shirts and shoes.

Not allowed

Commercial photography, pets

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi

Address

New York City’s Museum of Sex is located on 5th Avenue at 27th Street. It’s close to attractions including Madison Square Park, the Empire State Building, and the Flatiron Building.

Driving

While it’s possible to drive to the Museum of Sex, taxis and rideshares are far more convenient due to Manhattan traffic and very limited parking. If you are driving, there’s a paid parking garage at 7–11 West 28th Street.

Public transportation

Take the N, Q, R, or W trains to the 28th Street Subway station on Broadway or the 6, R, 4, or N trains to the 28th Street station on Park or 7th Avenue. Numerous bus lines serve the area.

Best times to visit

Come later in the day to enjoy a livelier scene at the on-site bar. Sometimes, you can get discounted tickets by booking the last slot of the day.

Best days to visit

Open every day except for Wednesdays, the Museum of Sex is busiest on the weekends.

Best months to visit

New York City is a great place to visit year-round. Ask a local their favorite season, and they may mention autumn, with September’s mild weather followed by bright October leaves.

Special events

The museum stays open until midnight on Valentine’s Day and generally has one-night-only special features such as signature drinks or pop-ups.