Your Body – The Sweaty History of Gyms

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.

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.

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.