Venues of the 1952 Summer Olympics
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For the 1952 Summer Olympics, a total of twenty-four sports venues were used. Three of the venues were constructed for the 1940 Summer Olympics, but were postponed in the wake of World War II. Those venues were completed in time for the 1952 Games. The main stadium served as host to the World Athletics Championships in 1983 and in 2005. Two venues were purchased by the city of Helsinki after the Olympics, one changed from an exhibition center to a sports arena, and another changed from a sports arena to an art museum. With an annual average temperature of 5.9 °C, Helsinki is the coldest city to host the Summer Olympics.
Before the Olympics
The idea for the construction of the Olympic Stadium began in 1927 though construction itself would take place between 1934 and 1938.[13] This was done in preparation for the 1940 Summer Olympics that were moved from Tokyo after the breakout of World War II.[13] Construction for the Swimming Stadium began in 1939, but was interrupted due to World War II.[10] The building was resumed in 1947 and completed the following year.[10] A concrete velodrome was built in 1940 though it was not completed until 1946 due to the war.[12] Messuhalli was completed in 1935.[14]
The Tennis Palace was constructed in time for the 1940 Games as well.[15]
