Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Musée de l'Erotisme was a private museum entirely dedicated to erotic art in all its forms: paintings, sculptures, objects, and photographs. Inaugurated in November 1997 by Alain Plumey and Joseph Khalifa, it was located at 72 boulevard de Clichy, in the emblematic neighbourhood of Pigalle, in the heart of the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This cultural place offered a bold exploration of sexuality through different eras and civilizations, mixing sacred art, popular art and contemporary works.

The museum was organized on seven floors, each dedicated to a specific theme. There were permanent exhibitions on popular art related to recreational sexuality, sacred art exploring fertility and fertility since prehistoric times, as well as a historical section on French brothels from the late 19th century to their closure in 1946. The collections included pieces from the five continents: Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. Temporary exhibitions also highlighted international artists, with notable collaborations such as those with Charlie Hebdo or renowned illustrators.

After nearly two decades of activity, the museum closed its doors on November 7, 2016. The entire collection was dispersed at an auction, marking the end of this unique institution. The building, located in a historic district of Paris known for its night atmosphere and heritage linked to artistic and libertin life, has lost one of its most original attractions. The museum had also generated media attention, as evidenced by an article in Figaro in 2016 evoking the sale of its "family jewels".

Collection

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