Museum
Red Light Secrets
A museum of prostitution inside a former working window in the Red Light District.
Photo: Rita Dagher / Google
- Area
- De Wallen (Red Light District)
- Type
- Museum
About the experience
Red Light Secrets is a history museum in the old centre. A museum of prostitution inside a former working window in the Red Light District.
Good to know
The focus here is on the people behind the windows, rather than the district’s reputation alone. Displays explore sex work as a profession, with attention to working conditions, personal experiences and the boundary between public curiosity and private life. The museum introduces visitors to a subject often reduced to stereotypes. It is worth approaching the material with an open mind: the setting is familiar from the street, but the perspective shifts towards those who work behind the glass.
Part of the experience is seeing a window workplace from the inside, reversing the usual viewpoint of a walk through the neighbourhood. That change of perspective makes a useful starting point for exploring the surrounding streets more thoughtfully. Afterwards, head towards the Oude Kerk to look at another layer of the area’s history, or continue to the nearby Zeedijk. Outside the museum, respect the privacy of sex workers and avoid photographing occupied windows.
Photo gallery
Photo: Enis Pistav / Google · Photo: Helen Neocleous / Google · Photo: Karla Cabrales Castillo / Google · Photo: Jernej Bašič / Google · Photo: Roman Schulz / Google
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book ahead?
Check the official Red Light Secrets website for current booking options and entry conditions. Follow the instructions attached to your ticket.
Where can I find current opening hours and ticket prices?
Check the museum’s official website for current opening hours and ticket prices before making plans.
Is the museum suitable for children?
The subject matter concerns prostitution and adult working environments. Check the museum’s official admission policy and content guidance before planning a family visit.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Check accessibility information on the official website or contact the museum directly. Describe any step-free access or other requirements so staff can advise whether the visit will work for you.
Can I take photographs?
Check the museum’s current photography rules and follow signs inside. In the surrounding district, respect sex workers’ privacy and do not photograph them or occupied windows.
Red Light Secrets Museum, Amsterdam
Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, 1012 DP, Amsterdam