Amsterdam's Red Light District

Amsterdam is known for many things, one such reputation is their Red Light District where women in lingerie advertise in neon-lit windows.

In 2000 the Dutch government legalized prostitution, their hope was to make it easier to tax and regulate. In 2006 Amsterdam city politicians decided to put a stop to the prostitutes advertising themselves in windows, so the district held an open day in February 2006. Thousands of people were welcomed into some of the districts shops and bars and given a behind the scenes look at the rooms where the prostitutes took their clients.

Intimately lit rooms held little more than a bed, bedside table and a shower (clients are offered a shower and condom before they enjoy their 15 minutes with the prostitutes). There is also an alarm system that the prostitutes can use to summon help in the event they encounter a problem with a client.

The open day was supported by the district's Prostitution Information Center, Amsterdam's Sex Museum, and The Salvation Army. Yes, that last one surprised me too. Apparently the Salvation Army is very active in the area.

There was a second open day in March of 2007, during which there was an unveiling of the first statue in the world to honor prostitutes all around the world.

Titled Belle the bronze statue depicts a curvy woman standing, feet apart and hands on hips, in a doorway at the top of a flight of three steps. Staring out on the world with a proud look to her the statue was created by artist Els Rijerse and bears a plaque on her base that reads: "Respect sex workers all over the world."

In existence since the 14th century, the Red Light District is an odd companion to attractions such as the Anne Frank house, the Rembrandt House Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of work by Van Gogh under one roof.