gymlacium
this installation by artist Manca Ahlin has transformed an area affectionately known as The Stacks in this former Carnegie Library into a three-story sculpture you can immerse yourself in
welcome to gymlacium
Move across a bridge, up ladders, through tubes, over hills and into hammocks as you explore a landscape unlike any other. There are surprises to uncover on each level, through each design feature and from every vantage point in Gymlacium.
MuseumLab Hours: Saturday & Sunday, Noon – 5 pm
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visit gymlacium
Explore and immerse yourself in this three-story sculpture created by artist Manca Ahlin. Included with Museum admission.
We admit a set number of visitors to Gymlacium every hour for the safety and comfort of everyone.
Get your timed admission ticket for Gymlacium at the MuseumLab Admissions Desk.
Admission times are as follows:
12:15 pm
1:15 pm
2:15 pm
3:15 pm
4:15 pm
Times may be subject to change
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rules & guidelines
Gymlacium is a unique space with some uneven surfaces, narrow passages and spaces that can only be accessed by crawling or climbing. The following rules will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all:
- You must be 48” tall to enter.
Smaller visitors can visit the Knot Ramp and Bridge in the Garage — also created by Manca Ahlin! - This space contains physical challenges similar to caving and rock climbing.
- Gymlacium is a shoes-off, socks-on experience —we have socks available if needed
- You must empty your pockets and remove all dangling, loose or looped jewelry, or hanging cords, before entering. This includes cell phones and keys. Belongings can be stored in lockers at the Gymlacium entrance.
- No running or rough play
please note
Gymlacium is made from hemp. Visitors with sensitivities to natural fibers may need to take extra precautions or opt not to enter the installation.
Visitors with limited mobility may wish to visit Gymlacium from the ground level. Please request this accommodation when reserving your spot. Please inquire about other accommodations available with advance notice for Gymlacium.
about the artist
Manca Ahlin wove Gymlacium using traditional bobbin lace techniques that she learned as a child in Slovenia.
“When an old space with an industrial cast iron structure, that used to be a library, collides with handmade bobbin lace, that used to be made as a benign little doily, you find a wondrous space that is a three-dimensional fiber labyrinth of numerous pieces, connected into a giant interactive network. From the initial elements (bridge, trees, ladders, hills, waves, hammocks), the structure constantly grew and with time (including a global pandemic lockdown) the pieces expanded organically, connecting into a neural network- like our brains or nature taking over abandoned sites.
Through these connections, every action will cause a reaction somewhere else and hopefully remind you that you are not alone in the world, so whatever you do, it will affect someone or something else.”
