Lahti Ski Museum
Päijät-Häme
Lahti Ski Museum, located in Lahti, Finland, is a specialized sports museum dedicated to skiing and other winter sports. Situated within the city's main sports complex near the Salpausselkä ski-jumping hills, it offers visitors a comprehensive look into the history and culture of skiing. The museum's permanent exhibition, 'Sense of Skiing' (Hiihdon henkeä), chronicles the evolution of skiing, ski equipment, and the renowned Lahti Ski Games, an annual event since 1923. Additional exhibitions explore themes such as women's competitive skiing, ski-jumping, and the progression of ski design. Among the prized artifacts are the medals of Finnish ski-jumping legend Matti Nykänen. The museum also features interactive activities including a biathlon shooting simulator and a ski-jumping simulator, providing an engaging experience for all ages. Lahti Ski Museum is part of the Lahti municipal museums since 1974 and welcomes visitors with a rich collection of over 22,000 objects, photographs, and archival materials related to winter sports. It participates in Finland's nationwide Museum Card program, allowing access to numerous museums across the country, and offers free entry for visitors under 18 years of age.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during the winter months or around the time of the Lahti Ski Games to immerse yourself in the vibrant skiing culture. Purchase tickets in advance online or consider the Museum Card for unlimited access to Finnish museums. Children under 18 enter free, and interactive exhibits like the ski-jumping simulator provide fun for the whole family. Check the official website for updated opening hours and special events.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the medals of Matti Nykänen, one of Finland's most famous ski jumpers.
- •It features interactive exhibits such as a biathlon shooting simulator using infrared technology.
- •The museum's collection includes over 22,000 objects, 16,500 photographs, and more than 7,000 stamps and envelopes related to winter sports.
- •In 2019, the museum welcomed over 21,000 visitors, including international guests from as far as Taiwan and Australia.
History
The Lahti Ski Museum traces its origins to 1959 when the Lahti skiing society organized the first exhibits in an old sauna.
The City of Lahti took over the museum activities in 1974, integrating it into the municipal museum system.
The first dedicated building, designed by architect Esko Hämäläinen, opened in 1989.
In 2000, the building's exterior was redesigned by Pekka Salminen, and a major renovation took place in 2017, modernizing the facilities and enhancing visitor experiences.
Place Guide
Sense of Skiing Exhibition2020
This permanent core exhibition explores Finnish skiing history from the perspectives of amateurs, professionals, and recreational skiers, highlighting the cultural significance of skiing in Finland.
Sisulla Sankariksi Exhibition
Located in the basement, this exhibition showcases the golden era of Finnish competitive skiing from the 1950s to the 1970s, featuring famous athletes like Siiri Rantanen and Eero Mäntyranta.
Interactive Activity Area
Visitors can try their hand at biathlon shooting with an eco-friendly infrared rifle and experience ski jumping through a simulator, offering immersive winter sports experiences.
Contact
Phone: 050 3985523
