The Story of TAHTO is an exhibition that engages all senses, just like sport itself. Sports permeate society and human life. Visitors can immerse themselves in moments of excitement, joy, or even disappointment. The exhibition is organized into four themes: The Locker Room, Helsinki 1952, Heroism, and Snow & Ice.
The exhibition orienteering offers children and young people insights into history and the present. Visitors can even work up a sweat if they wish. TAHTO is built upon internationally unique and extensive collections of sports culture, gathered since the early 20th century.
The Locker Room
Sports begin in the locker room, and so does our exhibition. The locker room is an intimate space where athletes change into their gear, prepare for training or competition, recover afterward, and experience the full spectrum of emotions connected to sports. From the locker’s surprising “emotion cabinets,” you can discover, among other things, Finland’s most famous swimming goggles, equipment belonging to a volleyball-loving president, and a doctor’s bag that was found at the Shell station in Ala-Tikkurila in February 2001.
In our locker room, visitors can explore the evolution of sports equipment and examine the notes of well-known athletes and coaches. A video compilation recalls locker room celebrations that, through the media, became shared experiences for the nation. Three dedicated locker spots honor significant athletes from different sports, and the featured athletes are rotated regularly.
Helsinki 1952 Olympics
The Helsinki Olympics remain the largest sporting event ever held in Finland. We present the Games through objects, photographs, videos, and interactive touchscreen applications. With the interactive wall visitors can explore the Helsinki 1952 stories of people who experienced the Olympics firsthand, as well as our striking 3D objects. Other applications provide information about the athletes who participated and the competition venues, most of which are still in use by Finnish athletes today.
From our extensive Olympic collection, a comprehensive selection is on display, highlighted by a silver Olympic torch. Only 23 torches were ever made. The exhibition objects tell stories not only about sport but also about life in Helsinki during the Olympic Games. The spirit of the Olympic summer comes alive through a restored original color film showing the competitions and the vibrant atmosphere of the host city.
Heroism
The Heroism section is dominated by a video artwork approximately 12 meters wide, presenting iconic Finnish moments and personalities organized by theme. Heroism, however, lies in the eyes of the beholder. Typically, heroes are those who achieve the most in sports considered nationally significant. On an individual level, a hero can also be a role model in one’s own club or community. The Heroism section currently focuses on a broad selection of our international sports stars, and the displayed material is rotated one hero at a time.
Snow & Ice
Creaking ice, crunching snow, and biting cold have been part of everyday life in Finland for centuries. In the hall dedicated to winter sports, we explore the significance of snow and ice for Finns in the past, present, and future. A video compilation and interactive touchscreen application showcasing winter activities invite visitors to reflect on the impact of climate change on the future of winter sports.
The objects in the Winter Hall cover a long historical span—from a 2,500-year-old ancient ski to an 18th-century bone skate, and the equipment and awards of 20th-century winter athletes. Visitors can also sit on Finland’s first chairlift, which was inaugurated in Pyhä in 1965. The star of the exhibition is ski-jumping legend Matti Nykänen. Alongside his World Championship and Olympic medals, the display includes Nykänen’s very first ski-jumping skis and boots.
