Naomi Wilzig's World Erotic Art Museum Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary October 16,2010 Miami Beach

If you've ever been to South Beach then you know pretty much anything goes. Scantily clad men and women adorn the beaches in the bright South Florida sun. However if you find you have nothing to do on one of those occasional rainy afternoons (it rains a lot by the way) there is a unique place to spend a few of those hours: Naomi Wilzig's World Erotic Art Museum. 2010 marks its Fifth Anniversary and they are celebrating it in style with a lavish grand party on Oct. 16. Naomi, whom is 75 years young, opened the museum literally to the day, October 16, 2005; it boasts 12,000 square feet including colorful rooms that house her personal collection of erotica that includes 4000 tapestries, paintings, sculptures and a variety of other objects from the Roman Empire to the 1970s.

But there is so much more to the Museum than what you may expect. Naomi herself guides tours throughout the facility with wit, humor and flair. It is truly one of the most unique and interesting places I've ever visited. Well respected among educators, students, international visitors as well as Florida natives, it has become a must see attraction. I'm sure you're wondering exactly what there is to see here. Well, what you're thinking right now is probably right on the mark. Nudes from the Renaissance era, certain curvaceous and not so curvaceous body parts (male and female), you get the idea. But keep an open mind; this is not the Playboy mansion. There are actual displays and stories to go with every exhibit. No one under 18 is admitted. For some people the line between art and pornographic material is very gray, there is no black or white. I understand that. My recommendation would be: if you blush easily, get embarrassed walking along the beach or watching an R-rated movie with just a tad bit of nudity this museum may not be your taste. What it is, is a lot of fun and adventure. So if you've got what it takes and want to have an enjoyable day you may want to check out this wonderfully erotic exotic museum.

The Anniversary gala on Oct. 16 boasts entertainment and a lavish buffet and is open to the public. Performances artists Geraldine and Shanaya will be on hand. Miami Beach's own Divas including Victoria and Adora will appear as "princesses of the court." I have heard a rumor that Naomi herself may just be bestowing crowns on all the attendees. Let's face it, I want my own crown. There, I said it. More importantly all proceeds of the evening will benefit the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine and is sponsored by 42 Below Vodka, Wire Magazine, Miami New Times, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Concierge Association, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Welcome and Bienvenidos Visitors Magazines.

Tickets are $15. The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Ave. It is open Monday through Friday, 11 A.M. to 10 P.M., Friday and Saturday 11 A.M. to Midnight.