HAPPENING 25 JAN–11 MAY 2025 | Kunsthal Rotterdam presents ‘Toy Stories: Designing Intimacy,’ a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the evolution of sex toy design. The exhibition highlights innovative products reflecting contemporary views on intimacy, inclusivity, and wellbeing.
Toy Stories: the design revolution shaping intimacy
Kunsthal Rotterdam’s latest exhibition, Toy Stories: Designing Intimacy, showcases the radical transformation of sex toy design in the 21st century. Running from 25 January to 11 May 2025, this exhibition delves into the aesthetics, functionality, and societal impact of these once-taboo objects, now regarded as wellness products and stylish accessories.
The exhibition features sketches, prototypes, moulds, and materials that provide insight into the design process. Themes such as health, inclusivity, technology, and aesthetics underline the changing perceptions of intimacy and pleasure.
Breaking boundaries: from function to design
The exhibition highlights the shift away from traditional designs, often phallic-shaped, to more discreet and elegant creations. Brands like Tenga and their geometric designs for men aim to avoid embarrassment, while popular items like the Rose Toy blur the lines between function and art. Products on display include viral sensations like the ‘Snail Vibe,’ and devices designed for shared experiences, such as The Oh Collective’s ‘Dream Team’ and EasyToys’ ‘Easyconnect.’
Technology plays a significant role in modern innovations. For example, British designer Summer Chen’s ‘Enigma’ combines lingerie with haptic sensors that convert touch into personalised, text-based erotic narratives through artificial intelligence.
Toy Stories. Designing Intimacy 2025. Kunsthal Rotterdam. Photo: Bas Czerwinski
Snail curve dual stimulator, SVibe. Photo: Bas Czerwinski
Inclusivity and health at the forefront
A notable focus of the exhibition is the role of inclusivity in modern sex toy design. Products cater to diverse gender identities, physical needs, and life stages, addressing the importance of accessibility and wellbeing.
One example is the ‘Kiwi’ by designer Nienke Helder, which assists women in overcoming pelvic pain by encouraging relaxation and positive touch associations. Other designs merge scientific research and technology to improve physical and mental health while promoting the importance of sexual pleasure.
Collaboration and participating designers
The exhibition was developed in collaboration with The Oh Collective, a company committed to inclusivity and innovation in intimacy products. Featured designers include Anna Maresova, Tenga, Crave, Wild Flower, and many others, reflecting the diversity and creativity shaping the field today.
Exhibition details
Toy Stories: Designing Intimacy runs until 11 May 2025 in Hall 3 of Kunsthal Rotterdam. Tickets are available online or at the museum. This exhibition is suitable for adult visitors, offering a thoughtful exploration of intimacy, design, and innovation.
Location and directions
Kunsthal Rotterdam is located at Westzeedijk 341, in the Museumpark district. Easily accessible by public transport, visitors can take metro lines D or E to Eendrachtsplein, or park in nearby garages. The Museumpark area offers scenic walking routes for those arriving on foot.