SAN FRANCISCO—Visitors to Good Vibrations’ Antique Vibrator Museum on April 12 grand opening were treated to an eyeful of historic treasures that left the full house breathless with delight. Crowds of people examined 122 collectible vibrators and Staff Sexologist and museum curator Dr. Carol Queen led two tours through the collection, sharing a fascinating story of history, health, and sexuality. Event photos and highlights of the collection from the late 1800s up through the 1970s and can be seen online along with an extensive history of their development and marketing.
You may not like to think about your grandmother’s vibrator, but to see the evolution of our favorite invention is irresistible," said Queen. "Even the rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm for this extraordinary exhibit—we had a tremendous turnout of people fascinated by our historic and entertaining display at our Polk Street retail location. You can really see how our attitudes around sex and female pleasure have evolved and how far both society and technology have come.”
These vintage treasures from the turn of the century will make their big screen debut on May 1 at the San Francisco premiere of Hysteria, a Victorian-era romantic comedy set around the creation of the vibrator, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rupert Everett in Good Vibrations is co-presenting the San Francisco premiere as part of the S.F. International Film Festival on May 1 at Sundance Theatres Kabuki in San Francisco.
The history of the vibrator is a fascinating one, and Good Vibrations gladly sheds light on the unlikely origins of its industry. The electric vibrator had its inception in 1869 with the invention of a steam-powered massager, patented by an American doctor. This device was designed as a medical tool for treating what was called “hysteria,” or "female disorders." Within 20 years a British doctor followed up with a more portable battery-operated model; by 1900, dozens of styles of electric vibrators, just like those in our exhibit, were available to the discriminating medical professional.
\Hysteria screens Tuesday, May 1 at 9:30pm at Kabuki Theatres in San Francisco. Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum is open during store hours at the Good Vibrations Polk Street Store.
