His Story and How It Was Made

Every era has had its own definitions of what it meant to be a man. What were considered a man’s duties, and what privileges did he enjoy? The role of men has also changed over time. What was it like to be a man in Finland in the past?

The exhibition Man and How to Make One presents four perspectives on the history of men.

It is impossible to tell a single history of men. A man’s position and opportunities have always depended on the time and place, as well as his background, wealth, and social status.

Through four different perspectives, the exhibition explores how men’s position in society has been defined and what kinds of opportunities, privileges, and responsibilities have been associated with it at different times.

The four perspectives have been written by philosopher and author Dr Eero Ojanen, university researcher and historian Dr Tiina Miettinen, ethnologist MA Tytti Lehtovaara, and historian Dr Juha-Matti Granqvist.

The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on what being a man has meant at different times—and what it means today.