The modern Olympic Games, which have been held for over 125 years, are rich with unforgettable historical moments. Throughout its various editions hosted in cities around the world, the Games have left behind stories that have become enduring memories. To preserve this legacy, the Olympic Museum was established in Lausanne, Switzerland, near the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. The museum showcases more than 10,000 Olympic artifacts, making it the largest archive of Olympic history in the world. Additionally, it is one of Lausanne’s top tourist attractions, drawing over 250,000 visitors annually.
The museum was founded on June 23, 1993, following an initiative by then-IOC President, Spanish Juan Antonio Samaranch. The project was overseen by Mexican architect Pedro Ramirez Vazquez, a member of the Olympic Committee, alongside Jean-Pierre Cahen. Initially named the European Museum in 1995, it was later relocated for renovations that lasted 23 months from 2012 to 2013. Upon completion, the museum reopened on December 21, 2013, expanding its space from 2,000 square meters to 3,000 square meters.
The Olympic Museum is divided into three separate floors, each focusing on a different Olympic theme. The first floor covers the history of the ancient Olympics and the revival of the modern Games in the 19th century. Visitors on this floor can view displays of Olympic torches carried by athletes in various Games and watch a video documenting key moments from opening ceremonies. The second floor is dedicated to the Olympic Games themselves, featuring sports equipment from a variety of sports, and introduces visitors to the Youth Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. Visitors can also explore over 1,000 video clips of Olympic events and participating athletes at individual viewing stations. The final floor, focusing on the Olympic spirit, allows visitors to experience life in the Olympic Village. They can test their balance, agility, and mental skills through interactive exercises and view Olympic medals. Additionally, the renovated museum includes a temporary exhibition space that regularly hosts traveling exhibits.
