Velomania

I recently attended a stunning exhibition tracing the evolution of the
bicycle.
Here is the exhibition description from their website:

Velomania ! Centuries of Cycling was held at Vapriikki in Tampere Finland.
Museum Centre Vapriikki is housed in what used to be the engineering works of Tampella Ltd. In addition to exhibition spaces, Vapriikki provides facilities for collections, preservation, photo archives, a reference library, an auditorium, education of school children as well as space for research and offices.

The Velomania! exhibition takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of cycling, from the first attempts to the modern day. Cycling is seen as part of people’s everyday lives. On this journey, visitors will learn about the first cycling pioneers on their high-wheeled bicycles, as well as ordinary factory workers and country boys and girls riding their bikes to dance pavilions. The exhibition also displays the cycling activism that emerged in the 1960s, cycle racing, and the bicycle as a means of transport used by postmen and cycle couriers in their work.

Famous cycles and cyclists
The bicycles on display in the Velomania! exhibition come from Vapriikki’s own collections, Finnish cycling aficionados, and leading international museums. The more than 90 bicycles on show cover the whole range of bicycles in existence, from the first ‘running machines’
– the draisiennes and hobby horses – to modern racing cycles.
Many special models are displayed also: three-wheeled models from the 19th century, low recumbents, tandems, and even the giant bike of tallest man in Finland Väinö Myllyrinne. The bikes owned by the well-known cultural figures I. K Inha and Samuli Paulaharju at the beginning of the 20th century are also on show. More recent samples include singer Siiri Nordin’s tuned-up chopper and the YleX presenter Mikko ‘Peltsi’ Peltola’s children’s bike on which he learnt to ride.


At Vapriikki 1 April 2007–24 February 2008
Admission 5/1 €, groups (over 10 people) 4 €
Museum Centre Vapriikki
Opening hours
Tue, Thu-Sun 10-18, Wed 11-20, Mon closed.
Exceptional opening hours:
5.12. open 10-16
Closed 6.12. and 23.-26.12.2007