The Erotic Museum Up for Sale

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – The once well-trafficked Erotic Museum will shutter its doors Sunday due tolackluster visitor numbers.

After two years of assembling artistic depictions of human sexuality, hosting ongoing exhibits and even an Erotic Hall of Fame with inductees that included Hugh Hefner, the entire contents of the museum will be put up for sale, museum owner Mark Volper said.

The sale of art items will begin after the doors close on Sunday, Marina Smorodinsky, museum director, told XBIZ. “In the meantime, people can stop by and look. We would like for the entire museum to be purchased.”

Smorodinsky added that items for sale will be listed on the museum’s website as well as on eBay.

During the museum’s reign as one of the first and only museums in the U.S. to exclusively feature erotic art, museum curators celebrated big-name artists such as Andres Serrano Tom of Finland, Mel Roberts and others. The museum was even victim to an art heist several years ago that made away with an original Picasso etching titled "Block 1664.” The etching was never recovered.

The museum’s mission statement was to celebrate the positive potential of human sexuality, but more often than not, it was overshadowed by the Internet.

"Sex is everywhere these days, on the Internet, on TV, in the movies," Volper said. "One thing we found in time, was that there is a change in the way people are consuming sex as a product these days. That combined with the recent natural disasters, the war, a drop in tourism, it's been a tough time for a controversial entertainment institution."

Curator Eric Singley attributed the museum’s closure to tough times in Los Angeles for museums and lower-than-expected attendance at most of the mainstream museums.

“We understand the other museums dedicated to sexuality in the U.S. have not been meeting their expectations either,” Singley said.

But there is still hope that new ownership will revive the museum and take it to the next level.

"We've done the hard work by building this amazing facility,” Volper said. “It just needs the right expertise to take it to the last mile."

Until new ownership is assumed, the museum gift shop will remain open.

"We had hoped to educate, entertain and inspire,” Smorodinsky said. “For two years, our venue was a vehicle for many progressive artists to showcase their talent, and we regret that due to circumstances beyond our control we have to close our doors.”

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Chloe Amour: Recharged, Refocused, and Ready for Real Love

These days, getting ahold of Chloe Amour on the weekend can be tough. She might ditch her phone, as was the case on a recent weekend while celebrating her birthday with family at Disneyland, riding the rides and taking in some sun.

Isabella De Laa, Cherry Candle Star in Latest From MixedX

Isabella De Laa and Cherry Candle star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Between Us.”

Tony Sting, Adira Allure & Dominic Pacifico Headline Latest From BiPhoria

Tony Sting, Adira Allure, and Dominic Pacifico star in the latest release from BiPhoria.

Show More