Red Light Secrets - Museum of Prostitution
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Red Light Secrets - by Aleksei Jagga on Google
Description
Red Light Secrets is a museum with exhibits on the history of Amsterdam's prostitution industry and an audio tour that includes a story from Inga, a local sex worker describing herself as a sex therapist. For background, the development of the city's red-light district known locally as 'De Wallen' is closely tied to its maritime trading history: sailors provided a large clientele since the 14-15th century. Red lights are used to light up the brothels' windows because they do not reveal skin imperfections and this standard lighting is the origin of the "red light district" expression that is used internationally to identify neighbourhoods where prostitutes operate.
Access & Transport
Address: Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60 It is possible to get there walking from many other sights in the city centre. The closest stations are Dam (1, 2, 5, 13, 17, 4, 9, 16, 24) which has several stops east and west of the Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt (51, 53, 54) and Centraal Station (metro, train and tram lines).
Instructions & Recommendations
Parents with children should note the characteristics of the museum and the neighbourhood and assess whether they are comfortable heading there - noting the minimum age for the museum is 16. Besides the red-light district which is worth taking a quick look out for most first-time tourists, other attractions / sights in the area include, De Oude Kerk, the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, Body Worlds Dam Square, and the Royal Palace.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Socially neutral as well - we are not aware of any contribution towards any charity / foundation or how it improves the working conditions in the industry (a missed opportunity)
Conclusion
If there has to be a museum of prostitution in one city, this is probably one of the best possible choices. We think the topic is of some intrinsic interest, but we would much better see it operated by a foundation caring for sex-workers than as a for-profit. This would probably attract a wider audience beyond the curious passer-by and justify the steep entry price.
Key positive
Opportunity to learn about some of the day-to-day aspects of prostitution in Amsterdam
Key negative
Small and often crowded
Too expensive considering the content
Suitability
Not suitable for minors (min. age is 16yrs old). The building is not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 19m
est. visit time:1h
Monday11:00 - 22:30
Tuesday11:00 - 22:30
Wednesday11:00 - 22:30
Thursday11:00 - 22:30
Friday11:00 - 23:30
Saturday11:00 - 23:30
Sunday11:00 - 22:30