Compulsory exposure of the body - "Duty Unclothed: Stuttgart Museum of History Exhibits Nudity"
The Stuttgart House of History is set to host an intriguing exhibition titled "Free Swimming - Together?!", which delves into the themes of nudity, body acceptance, and social exclusion in public swimming pools. This thought-provoking event, running until September 14, showcases over 200 objects and photos, focusing on themes such as equality, democracy, sexism, racism, moral views, exclusion, and prejudices in public bathing.
As part of this exhibition, visitors are invited to participate in two special nude-only evenings on August 30 and September 13, 2025. Museum spokesperson Joachim Rüeck confirmed the events, emphasizing the acceptance of being naked by the pool and the historical exclusion of certain populations from public swimming pools. This exhibition aims to address social and cultural issues linked to body image, inclusion, and community.
The demand for this unique museum experience appears notable enough to warrant these special nude-only visiting dates. Germany’s Get Naked association, which promotes natural body positivity, supports this initiative. The association aims for nudity to no longer be intuitively linked to sexual acts in society.
Visitors are allowed into the exhibition only if they are bare, except for shoes. No program will be available on the evenings of the naked visits due to high demand. A guided tour is planned for August 30, and a word art action is scheduled two weeks later.
The idea of the exhibition has been successful in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Brussels, and Hannover. Local newspapers, the Stuttgarter Nachrichten and the Stuttgarter Zeitung, had previously reported on the "Free Swimming" event.
This exhibition continues the themes addressed in "Naked is Mandatory", including skinny-dipping and FKK (Free-body culture). The initiative aims to challenge and rethink conventional views about nudity, making it an artistic and social statement rather than a mere novelty.
The Stuttgart House of History uses this nude museum visit as a platform to combine art, history, and social commentary on nudity and inclusion, with a growing public interest that supports the interactive and experiential nature of the exhibition. Tickets for the events were sold out due to high demand, underscoring the public's appetite for such unique and engaging experiences.
The Commission, in light of this nudity-focused exhibition, might consider proposing a directive on the protection of workers handling sensitive exhibits, such as those displaying nude art. A potential provision could address the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation from these exhibits, ensuring a sustainable and safe work environment.
Moreover, as the "Free Swimming" event encourages participation in a more inclusive society, promoting body positivity and acceptance, it could serve as a model for implementing sustainable living practices within one's home-and-garden lifestyle, fostering an environmentally friendly community.
