Ram Review- An Exhibitionistic Exhibition: Manhattan’s Museum of Sex

When I told my friends a few weeks ago that I was visiting Manhattan’s Museum of Sex, they raised their eyebrows and smirked sheepishly, as though I had uttered some taboo. It is true that the Museum, located at 233rd Fifth Avenue, makes every effort to embrace and display what many individuals and cultures define as taboo; however, the result is not the bawdy, giggle-worthy experience that my friends imagined it would be. Instead, the Museum addresses some awkward topics in a surprisingly mature, interesting and witty way.

The three-room museum features some permanent exhibits on topics like transexuality, pornography, homosexuality and gender issues. The Museum of Sex also hosts some temporary exhibits on a broad array of topics. Beginning this February, the museum features an exhibit sponsored by Trojan, entitled Rubbers: The Life, History & Struggle of the Condom. Rubbers follows the fascinating transition of the condom from animal hide in ancient times to “washable” thick rubber condoms of the Old West, to modern day Trojans. Rubbers not only gives the history of the condom, but it also addresses the topic of the condom in art and pop culture from its invention to present day. The exhibit also broaches the morality issue of condom use, contrasting Catholic objections to birth control with the problem of AIDS in Africa. Rubbers even features artist/designer Adriana Bertini’s customized dress, made entirely from ripped (but not used) and hand-dyed condoms.

The Museum was a fascinating study in human sexuality, walking the thin line between information and pornography, but doing it with the witty flair characteristic of New York City. While the museum’s $14.50 admission is a bit steep, students receive a $1 discount- not much cheaper, but affordable (and worth it) when combined with the $3 coupon available online.

Company is another subject to consider when visiting the museum. Though fascinating to most college students, the Museum of Sex is probably not the best place to bring visiting parents on the weekend (unless you’re into that sort of thing). Overall, the museum is a great place for students of sociology and anthropology, friends looking for a laugh, or just a great place to spend a few hours when you’re downtown-- just not a first date.