Exotic World originated as the private collection of retired exotic dancer Jennie Lee. It had been curated by retired burlesque performer Dixie Evans, who had often personally leads tours through the exhibits prior to an illness which began in the Summer of 2013. Ms. Evans died on August 3, 2013. Exotic World also serves as the home office for The Exotic Dancers' League of America (or EDL) trade union, and as the site of the annual Miss Exotic World Pageant.