The exhibition at the Design Museum in London is divided into three sections: the indoor pool, the outdoor lido and wild swimming. More than 200 pieces from across Europe highlight the social, cultural and technological developments of swimming. Fashion, architecture and design that have shaped our experience of swimming are on display. Historic photographs, swimsuits and pool models provide a unique insight into the history of swimming.

Iconic Exhibits – From Baywatch to the Olympic Games

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the famous red Baywatch swimsuit worn by Pamela Anderson. Other exhibits include a 1951 bikini, Speedo swimwear from the 1980s to the present day and a 1933 striped wool swimsuit. Also on display is the gold medal won by British swimmer Lucy Morton in 1924 and the revolutionary – and later banned – LZR Racer swimsuit.

In addition to fashion, the exhibition also explores the architecture of swimming pools. Visitors can see a model of Zaha Hadid’s London Aquatics Centre, as well as images and films of the famous Jubilee Pool in Penzance. The role of swimming in pop culture is also explored – from mermaids in film history to the viral mermaid trend of the 2020s.