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.