Your Body – The Sweaty History of Gyms
Aleksanterinkatu 16 • 10.11.2023–25.2.2024 • Free entry
This November visitors can expect tights, sweatpants, iron, palm trees and, if not real, at least the imaginary smell of sweat as the Helsinki City Museum turns into an immersive gym.
The exhibition space on the fourth floor of the Helsinki City Museum presents perspectives on urban culture. Soon, you can break a sweat in a rowing machine, think about body image at different times and measure Arnold Schwarzenegger’s biceps. The Your Body exhibition will contain authentic dressing rooms and a gym to evoke the atmosphere of the 1980s and 1990s.
Gym as a meeting place
Your Body – The Sweaty History of Gyms tells the story of gyms and gym lovers. Competing bodybuilders, weightlifters, fitness athletes and amateurs improving their condition – what makes them move? Why do people go to the gym or take group exercise classes? The exhibition gives a voice to the various users of gyms and sports services. The topic contains subtle points of view and themes evoking strong emotions, focusing on one’s own and others’ appearance, objects and meanings of one’s gaze, body positivity, beauty and health.
Finland’s first gyms in the early 20th century were mainly intended for wrestlers, gymnasts and athletes. Today, gyms are places of exercise where everyone can develop or maintain their health. Exercise brings joy and improves health, but we also do not want to avoid difficult topics that are related to bodybuilding and shaping one’s body, both at the amateur and professional level.
The exhibition was designed by Tuomas Siitonen and Päivi Roivainen from Good Kombo. The exhibition is produced by City Museum Lecturer Sauli Seppälä and Head of Unit Jari Harju. The exhibition’s campaign look is designed by Hasan & Partners.
Warm up until the show opens on 10 November – the Your Body playlist is now available on Spotify!
Your Body – The Sweaty History of Gyms
10 November–24 February 2024
Helsinki City Museum, 4th floor
Aleksanterinkatu 16
Free admission
Please keep body positivity in mind as you visit the exhibition. Behind all the pictures, bodies and stories on display is a person. Be kind to both your own and others’ bodies. Admission to the exhibition and events is free.
Events:
Addicted to sweat – amazing workouts!
Thu 23 Nov at 17–22
What happens to gym moves when creativity takes over? Race Horse Company’s show includes juggling, acrobatics with a gymnastics ball, flying kettlebells and a human spinning top. The programme is part of the ‘Experience Six Museums’ event.
The Night of Science: Muscles! Presentations on body modification
Thu 25 Jan 2024 at 18–21
Managing Editor of Liikunta & Tiede magazine Jouko Kokkonen, PhD; Wellness Coach and Trainer Jarno Lemmelä, MSc Sport Science; and Science Journalist Juha Matias Lehtonen, MTh, will be exploring topics such as ideal bodies, the history of gyms, healthy ways of building muscles and the impact of age and sex on training and muscles.
Let’s exercise!
Tue 9.–Tue 30.1.2024 at 14–15
We will be using the museum lobby for various physical activities on four consecutive Tuesday afternoons throughout January. The theme of the exercise sessions changes weekly.
Planetbic community performance and disco
Fri 16 Feb 2024 at 18–21
Come work out to rhythmic music under the direction of instructors using globe exercise balls! After the performance, participants can enjoy the planetary disco.
From poetry to movement
Sun 25 Feb 2024 at 14–15
At the event, Sports Counsellor Eevi Kaasinen will talk about how she has combined poetry and movement in competitions.
Photos: Harri Ahola / The Helsinki City Museum and V.K. Hietanen / Press Photo Archive JOKA, Finnish Heritage Agency
