During a stay in Amsterdam, enjoy visiting the Red Light Secrets Museum and discover all the hidden faces of the oldest trade in the world.
The Red Light Secrets Museum in Amsterdam introduces you to a controversial universe; prostitution. This is the first museum in the world on sex workers. Between its walls, visitors are led to discover its history and to discover an entire profession. The good sides, the bad ones of a long-standing practice remained defended and contested.
Then stay in Amsterdam, follow the guide for an immersion in this museum with a special character!
History of Red Light Secrets
Photo credit: Shutterstock / MindStorm
The Red Light Secrets Museum opened its doors in February 2014. A small revolution that lifts the veil on the taboo of his prostitution and promises to contempt his story.
In Amsterdam, prostitution has existed since the 15th century. At that time, seafarers passing through the city pay women for sex. Generally, it is women of sailors who, while waiting for their husband left at sea, sell their bodies to support the needs of the home. It should be noted that at the time, the port of Amsterdam is close to the red quarter. It is therefore in this place that sailors and prostitutes are used to finding themselves.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon decided to legalize prostitution in Amsterdam. Before that, it was not legal, but rather tolerated. According to the little story, Bonaparte would have lost an indirect battle because of prostitutes. Most of his soldiers were syphilised. By legalizing the profession, the goal was to control the hygiene of sex workers to avoid such incidents. They had to go twice a week for medical checks. If they were sick, they could not work and receive free treatment.
During the 20th century, prostitution had some restrictions. It is no longer possible for prostitutes to pick up customers directly in the street. They have to do it from their home by typing in the window. Initially behind curtains, the latter gradually disappear to give way to the famous showcases of the Red quarter .
Today, the red quarter has more than 400 showcases where prostitutes are exposed. The purpose of this district is to protect sex workers from the dangers of prostitution such as violence or various abuses.
What to see and do at the Red Light Secrets Museum?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Anton_Ivanov
Visiting the Red Light Secrets Museum is truly immersed in the lives of sex workers. It is not a museum of sex or eroticism as there are everywhere. Cultural above all, this establishment is designed to make its visitors understand the lives of the most intimate prostitutes and their secrets.
Behind the window
During a visit to the Red Light Secrets Museum, imagine on the other side of the window with the passers-by who re-read and make their market.
Beyond the rooms, it is also possible to visit the offices where the owners work to have a global vision of this world apart.
Note that the Red Light Secrets Museum is the only place in the red neighborhood where you can take pictures. So it’s time to enjoy it!
The story of Inga and the prostitutes
If you come to Amsterdam to visit the Red Light Secrets Museum, many mysteries will shine on the lives of sex workers. During your turn, you will learn who the prostitutes are and why they choose this profession. You will also discover what they win and who are the customers who pay them. In short, you'll know everything behind the scenes.
By visiting the prostitution museum, you also know the history of Inga. Full-fledged figure, she is no other than the most famous prostitute in Amsterdam. For about fifteen years, it has been known as the white wolf in the red neighborhood!
The confession wall
During your visit to the Red Light Secrets Museum in Amsterdam, you can write your most intimate stories on the confession wall. Only the most temeral ones venture... So if you want to reveal your secrets, it’s time! You can also read the stories of the many visitors who are passing through Amsterdam.
At the Red Light Secrets Museum, there is no shame to have. Everyone has secrets! It's time to reveal them.
How to go to the Red Light Secrets Museum?
Red Light Secrets is located in the red district of Amsterdam in Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60H.
Several means of transport allow you to go to the prostitution museum:
- Metro : Line 54 allows you to visit the Red Light Secrets Museum.
- Bus : Several bus lines stop near the red quarter, buses 48, 65, 107, 170, 172, 310, 320, 361.
- Train : The Sprinter train also takes you close to the Red Light Secrets Museum.
And remember that you are in the Netherlands, the country of cycling. So do like the Dutch and take a bicycle to visit Amsterdam.
Schedules and rates of Red Light Secrets
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Solarisys
- Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum daily between 10am and midnight.
- Attention: tickets with discount are only valid until 1 pm.
- On December 25 and 31, the museum closes at 5 p.m. The last admissions are 30 minutes before closing.
On the fare side, the entrance to the Red Light Secrets Museum is from 10€ .
BON A LEARN
- In view of the controversial nature of the prostitution museum, it is prohibited for minors. So we must have a minimum 18 years to visit him.
- The Red Light Secrets is not equipped for wheelchairs. It is located in a house on the canal, which leaves little room for the necessary amenities.
- The entry ticket is an open ticket. This means that you can go to the date and time of your choice. This is no longer valid once entering the museum or one year after the date of purchase.
– Count about 45 minutes to visit the Red Light Secrets Museum.
Loading comments ...