Antique Vibrator Museum
The Verdict
"Free museum inside the Good Vibrations shop at 1620 Polk Street displaying antique vibrators from the Victorian era onward, when they were sold as medical devices. Sexologist Dr. Carol Queen leads free guided tours on the third Sunday of each month (72-hour reservation)."
What you need to know
The Antique Vibrator Museum is housed inside the Good Vibrations shop on Polk Street and displays historical vibrators and intimate devices going back to the Victorian era. The collection traces the history of the devices, including their early framing as medical instruments. Admission is free.
What you will see
The museum displays a curated collection of antique devices with informational plaques covering the history, context, and technology of each piece. The exhibits cover about 150 years of design and social context.
Guided tours
On the third Sunday of each month, Dr. Carol Queen, a sexologist affiliated with the shop, leads free guided tours of the collection. Tours require 72 hours advance notice to reserve. The guided experience covers material that the plaques alone do not.
Getting there
The museum is at 1620 Polk Street. The 19 Polk bus runs along Polk Street. The museum is inside the Good Vibrations retail store; walk in and look for the museum displays.
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