New Museum is a Turn On for Miami Beach
Story by Mary Damiano
Photos by Harvey J. Burstein and Mary Damiano

It’s hard to tell what guests expected from Miami Beach’s new World Erotic Art Museum, but what was clear from comments at the October 15 opening that they didn’t expect such a tasteful, fascinating place and such a classy and sophisticated event.

The museum is the result of author Naomi Wilzig’s desire to take her private collection of erotic art public. While it occupies a non-descript building at 1205 Washington Avenue, what’s inside is anything but. Paintings, sculptures, and ancient sex toys-you name it and this museum’s got it. The collection was punctuated opening night by models decked out in provocative costumes and body painting, turning them into living erotic works of art.

Guests at the opening enjoyed an endless array of hors d’oeuvres and desserts from caterer Barton G., including jumbo shrimp perched on the edge of a giant martini glass filled with cocktail sauce.

Between munching at the swirling food station and drinking at the open bar, guests wandered through the sprawling museum, filled to the hilt with historical artifacts that show that sex has been a preoccupation of every culture in every age.

For more information, visit http://www.weam.com/