★★★★★ 5.0
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Red Light Secrets Museum
Fifteen years. That's how long Inga worked these very streets before she became the voice you'll hear inside the world's first and only prostitution museum. You're standing outside Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60, where this 17th-century canal house holds Amsterdam's darkest unsolved mystery - the murder of Chinese Annie, a prostitute who worked right here in this building. The brick facade you see hasn't changed much since the 1600s, but step inside and you'll discover something incredible - you can actually sit behind one of those famous red-lit windows yourself. The museum opened in 2018, but this spot has been part of the sex trade for over 400 years, back when De Wallen got its name from the literal walls that surrounded these canals. What most visitors don't realize is that those red lights weren't chosen for atmosphere - they were simply more flattering to the complexion than harsh white bulbs, a practical business decision that became an iconic symbol.
Did You Know?
- Red Light Secrets Museum is housed in a 17th-century canal-side building that was once a bustling brothel, making it one of the few places in Amsterdam where visitors can authentically experience the historic architecture and atmosphere of the city’s oldest profession, complete with original features and modern interactive exhibits that contrast past and present.
- One of the museum’s most intriguing legends is that it occupies the site where the infamous prostitute 'Chinese Annie' was murdered in a crime that remains unsolved to this day, adding a layer of mystery and historical intrigue to the visit.
- The museum offers a unique 'Behind the Glass' experience, allowing visitors to sit in a replica of the famous red-lit window, providing a rare, empathetic perspective on the daily life of sex workers, while the 'Confession Wall' lets guests anonymously share or read others’ secrets—ranging from humorous to eye-opening—creating a participatory and thought-provoking element rarely found in traditional museums.