Current

Special Exhibition
The Secret of Finnish Sauna

2026.3.14(Sat) — 6.28(Sun)

Whisking by Vihita ©️Katja Lösönen / Kalevala Women’s Association, Finland

Outline
Artwork
Collection
Information
Events
Catalogue

The sauna is said to have originated in Finland more than 2,000 years ago. In Finland, ancient folk beliefs still live on, and it is believed that welcoming the spirit dwelling in the sauna brings prosperity to the household. As a result, saunas are an integral feature of both private homes and public facilities. People relax both body and mind in saunas. Saunas also serve as spaces for communication and social connection.
This exhibition explores the history and culture of the sauna— deeply rooted in Finnish daily life—from multiple perspectives, uncovering the secrets of a rich and fulfilling way of living.

*A full-scale model of the sauna cabin from Alvar Aalto's Muuratsalo Experimental House will be recreated.

Flyer

Whisking by Vihita ©️Katja Lösönen / Kalevala Women’s Association, Finland

Temporary tent sauna, 2011
Photo: Alexander Lembke

Thermometer, Private collection, Photo: Shouma Kohsai

Old print engraving illustration, Collection of Finnish Heritage Agency

Sauna floor plan, elevation, and section drawings. Drawn by Alvar Aalto, 1938, Collection of Alvar Aalto Foundation

Alvar Aalto coming out of the sauna in the Muuratsalo Experimental house. 1960´s
Photo: Heikki Havas

Set of mugs and a pitcher designed by Gunvor Olin-Grönqvist, 1960-81

Information

Exhibition Period

2026.3.14(Sat) — 6.28(Sun)

Opening Hours

10:00–17:00

*Admission until 30 minutes before closing

Venue

Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, GalleryB-2, B-3
Access

Closed

Mondays (except May 4), May 7

Admission

Adults 1,100 (850) yen, University students 800 (600) yen, High school students and seniors (65 and over) 550 (400) yen
*Price in parentheses is that of advance ticket and a group of 30 or more
*You can also see the concurrent collection exhibition with a ticket for this exhibition
*Free admission for holders of an atomic bomb survivor's certificate, physical disability certificate, etc., and for their caregivers (one person per certificate holder) For more information

[ Advanced Ticket ]
Online Shop 339
※Available until March 13

Organized by

Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

Under the auspices of

Embassy of Finland, Finland Center, Koto City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima Municipal Board of Education, The Chugoku Shimbun, The Asahi Shimbun, The Mainichi Newspapers, THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN, Chugoku Broadcasting Co.,Ltd., TSS-TV CO.,LTD., Hiroshima Television Corporation, Hiroshima Home Television Co.,Ltd., HIROSHIMA FM BROADCASTING CO.,LTD., Onomichi FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd.

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