It’s not every day you explore one of the world’s largest collections of erotica. And no, I’m not talking about the internet. NSFW, obviously.
Founded in 2005 by a self-described “middle-aged Jewish grandmother”, the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) is the US’ only museum dedicated to “fine erotic art”. With pieces that date from 300 BCE to the contemporary times, the 12,000 square foot museum has plenty of room for what’s inside.
As the story goes, a German soldier led an exploration mission to a summer chateau of the Empress just outside of Leningrad. While exploring, he came across some interesting furniture attributed to Catherine the Great, Russia’s Empress from 1762–1796. The soldier documented his findings with two rolls of film; this chair is a reproduction based off of those photos, although the originals were plundered by the Nazis and have never been found.
A closer look?
The right armrest; the left reminds you what the missionary position looks like, while the figure on the ottoman features a Devil with a lusty tongue:
Oh myy…
The collection is nicely organized by type — really the best to go for a collection this large. You’ll really want to get close to appreciate the detail here — those are little, tiny, spent men coming out of her ..
Just a few of the netsuke, or miniature Japanese carvings, done in the shape of strawberries. (Yes, I freely admit this is beginning to sound like a weird Mad Libs.) Carved from ivory or wood, these represented the daily lives and fantasies of Japanese.
Not even the Buddha himself is spared, though this is a contemporary piece mixed in with centuries-old originals.
Speaking of originals, this Pompeii-era bronze oil lamp of a devil is an original. I can only imagine where it once hung, though…
In case you’ve ever wondered what a hermaphrodite created by a Native American would look like, imagine no further.
Like nothing else I’ve ever seen — an intricately carved four-poster wooden bed. It was made by a German from a Paraguayian tropical wood, and contains 138 engravings from the Kama Sutra. Oh, and it’s right here in Florida. Isn’t globalization grand?
The timeless game of chess, albeit with a set better kept behind glass.
Erm…. yeah…
This is the original prop from the classic movie A Clockwork Orange — sadly it’s not available for wearing or trying on yourself. Meander around this room with a number of larger pieces, and around the side rooms attached to this one.
Let’s not forget about African fertility statues, BDSM setups, and thousands of other exhibits — you can see the whole museum in an hour, and I can’t recommend this unique highly enough. You’ll likely be asked if you’d like to visit the special exhibition for an additional fee, which is easy enough to accept or pass on — the main museum is more than enough for most people.
Name: World Erotic Art Museum
Address:1205 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33139 (GPS: 25.783050, -80.132132)
Directions: From Miami, cross the Venetian Way east to Miami Beach. It becomes Dade Blvd., and you’ll turn right onto Washington Ave. Begin looking for parking after about a mile (metered street parking is your best bet). Alternatively, take bus 103 or 123 to the Washington Ave and 12th St. (or 11th St., depending on direction) stop. Walk north along Washington St. (away from the Burger King), and look right after crossing 12th St.
Hours: 11:00am-midnight
Admission: $15 (only adults 18 and older admitted)
Phone: 305–532–9336
Website: http://www.weam.com
