South Philly sauna pop-up offers immersive history lesson [Video]

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A South Philadelphia museum is offering guests a special way to knock that winter chill off their bones and experience a little Swedish culture. The American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park is hosting a sauna pop-up.

“The museum currently has an exhibit on view all about sauna culture, specifically in Finland,” says Kelley Garrard with Scout, the company hosting the pop-up. “So to celebrate that, we brought in some barrel saunas that anyone can book.”

Saunas, as a place for relaxation, community, and cleansing, are a central part of Scandinavian life.

“I think the time couldn’t be more perfect. It’s just getting cold here,” Garrard said.

The saunas, located right outside of the museum, get up to about 180 degrees.

“They get pretty hot in there, so it’s great. You can go in — usually recommend going in about 15 minutes at a time — then you can step outside, and you get that cold winter air, beautiful FDR park …