Postponed Opening
The eagerly anticipated Museum of Sex, a beloved institution from New York, is facing a delay in its Miami debut. Originally slated to open during Miami Art Week, the Florida outpost will now welcome visitors in January. Despite the setback, the museum promises a blend of wet, wild, and scholarly exhibits that aim to captivate audiences.
New York Roots in Florida
With over two decades of operation in New York, the Museum of Sex is expanding its horizons with its first satellite project in Florida. The museum’s unique combination of scholarly seriousness and playful exploration is set to make waves in Miami’s cultural scene.
Architectural Marvel in Allapattah
Situated in the Allapattah arts district within a converted warehouse, the museum spans 32,000 sq. ft and was designed in collaboration with the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta. Boasting three galleries, retail space, and a bar, the museum aims to create an immersive experience for visitors.
Inaugural Exhibitions
The museum’s inaugural exhibitions are set to include more than 500 artifacts tracing the history of sexual health products since the 1920s. Additionally, it will host the first solo museum show of works by the Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama, renowned for his “Sexy Robot” creations.
Super Funland and Mermaid Tanks
A highlight of the Miami space is an expanded version of the New York museum’s popular “Super Funland: Journey into the Erotic Carnival.” This permanent interactive space offers a carnival-inspired experience with a unique addition—a 40ft-wide “mermaid tank” known as “Merlandia,” paying homage to Dalí’s Dream of Venus.
Exploring Cyborgs and Historical Displays
Chief curator Ariel Plotek notes that visitors can explore the “idea of the cyborg” through Sorayama’s “robotic pinups.” The museum’s historical displays of sexual health products aim to highlight the stories behind specific brands, revealing intriguing narratives such as the origin of Ramses condoms in the 1920s.
Miami’s Role and Future Aspirations
The Museum of Sex sees its expansion to Miami as an opportunity to operate on a more significant scale. With a focus on collaboration and borrowing from other museums and collections, the museum aims to be beloved by Miami’s artists, collectors, and museumgoers. The unique blend of art, history, and playfulness promises to establish the Museum of Sex as a cultural landmark in the vibrant city of Miami.
Feature Image Courtesy: Vacationer Magazine
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