Exploring Radical Intimacy: A New Exhibition at the Museum of Sex

Museum of Sex Debuts Utopia

On November 7, 2025, the Museum of Sex in New York announced the opening of a landmark exhibition titled Utopia: Three Centuries of Sexuality in American Cults and Communes. Curated by Jodi Wille, a critically acclaimed filmmaker and publisher, this exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of sexuality and community life within various American utopian movements spanning three centuries.

Overview of the Exhibition

This groundbreaking exhibition, which will be on display from October 11, 2025, through April 12, 2026, is the first of its kind to trace how sexuality, relationships, and identity have evolved within America's alternative spiritual communities. Drawing on over twenty historical intentional communities, it features a wealth of materials, including more than 300 unique artworks, photographs, films, artifacts, and printed materials. By examining the cultural significance of these communities, Utopia highlights how alternative visions of sexuality and communal living have shaped broader societal norms.

A Deep Dive into American Spiritual Subcultures

The exhibition focuses on notable communities such as the Shakers, Oneida Community, The Source Family, and others, showcasing their progressive views on sexuality and relationships. Jodi Wille emphasizes the innovative spirit of these groups in her curator’s statement: “These communities were laboratories for rethinking nearly every aspect of life, including sexuality, spirituality, gender, family, and art.” This perspective unveils the complex interplay of desire, intimacy, and creativity that characterized these utopian societies.

Visitors to the Museum of Sex can expect to encounter a stimulating blend of historical analysis and immersive experiences. Utopia reframes the history of these spiritual subcultures, allowing attendees to witness their unique pathways toward meaning and their attempts to reinvent the concept of community and love in America.

Engaging Programs and Screenings

Complementing the exhibition, a series of dynamic programming events will take place throughout New York City. One such event includes a presentation at New York University’s Occult Humanities Conference on October 19, 2025, where Wille will discuss the topic of cosmic kinships and cultural reinvention in esoteric American communities. This presentation is set to offer deeper insight with audiovisual materials, sharing previously unseen images and anecdotes that enrich the understanding of these ideologies.

Additionally, on October 22, 2025, The Roxy Theater will host two screenings of THE SOURCE FAMILY documentary, followed by a Q&A session with Wille, family archivist Isis Aquarian, and author Dawn Hurwitz. This event promises to personalize the historical narrative by featuring voices directly connected to these pioneering communities.

The Legacy of Utopia

As Utopia opens its doors, it marks an important moment in documenting and celebrating the radical intimacy and communal life that have emerged within American spiritual movements. By bringing these diverse histories to light, the exhibition not only challenges mainstream societal norms but also spotlights the lasting impact these alternative communities have had on American culture. The Museum of Sex continues to pave the way for thoughtful dialogue about sexuality, identity, and the narratives that shape our understanding of community.

In this age of renewed interest in collective living and alternative lifestyles, Utopia serves as a timely reminder of America's quest for new forms of love, connection, and belonging—offering visitors an enriching experience that resonates with the spirit of community living.

Join us at the Museum of Sex to engage with this impactful exhibition and discover the profound influence of America’s cults and communes on the fabric of contemporary society.