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New York, NY (NNC) - New York is known for its world-class museums. But that doesn’t necessitate that the museums have to be classy to be world-class. Rather, the American Museum of Sexpression (AMOS), a new museum to open in New York by the end of the year, is a controversial, some say offensive, take on the intimacy and meaning of sex.

But the reason the museum has come under fire since its announcement back in March is in how this museum differs from other lascivious expressions of art, such as the pornography on display in Manhattan’s existing Museum of Sex, is the fact that the exhibits at the AMOS are comprised entirely of live “performances” of real people engaging in actual sexual intercourse. Furthermore, the “exhibits” range from traditional scenes involving a single man and woman, to scenes portraying homosexual intercourse, to entire orgies of up to 8 men and women having sex in a tangled mess of bodies.

Though certainly deviant from the standard concept of a museum, similar exhibits have been on display in other countries. But the reason this museum is rapidly becoming considered the most controversial museum in the world is because of their claim to be the first “interactive” museum of its kind, literally making the audience a “part of the art.”

Yes, what that means is that certain members of the audience will actually be permitted to engage in sex with the exhibits.

When asked about the legality of the idea, Head of Public Affairs for the museum, Charles Stern said “The exhibit provides for unprecedented intimacy with the artistic displays. Furthermore, we like to avoid words like ‘prostitution’ and even ’sex,’ because it really is what we call ’sexpression.’”

What Mr. Stern is referring to is the themes and scenes presented in the “art,” which are often as controversial as the sex itself. One scene involves the performers role-playing as a unit in the army that is coerced by a commander into an orgy. Another scene portrays a secret relationship between a young student and his teacher.

If an audience member is willing and able to play the role of one of these characters, they are allowed to fully participate in the performance. And because the exhibit is labeled as “art,” it’s being permitted.

But some are not convinced. When asked to explain its artistic value, Terell Reeds, one of the creators of the exhibit, said “The purpose of the museum is to show how sex, or sexpression, really affects people. And it’s supposed to show how good sex is for people and how sex is everywhere. Our motto is really clever, it’s ‘Sexpress Your Feelings.’ And we believe that.”

The museum is scheduled to open in time for Christmas. Tickets prices are $300 per person, or $500 for two. They can be purchased in advance online or over the phone, but there exists a 9 month wait list.

POSTED BY BOB HARLEY, NEW YORK, NY 4:12:53

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