Perched on the shores of the glistening Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Olympic Museum is a testament to the enduring power and spirit of the Olympic Games. Founded in 1993 at the behest of then International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch, the museum has become a mecca for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking inspiration from the triumphs and challenges of the world‘s greatest athletes.
A Legacy Etched in Stone and Bronze
The Olympic Museum is more than just a collection of artifacts – it‘s a living embodiment of the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The museum‘s collection spans over 10,000 objects, 750,000 photographs, 8,000 hours of video, and 2,04 linear meters of documents, making it the largest archive of Olympic history in the world.
Visitors are greeted by The Olympic Spirit, a towering bronze sculpture by Catalan artist Rosa Serra that embodies the energy and motion of sport. From there, they embark on a journey through the museum‘s three levels, each dedicated to a different aspect of the Olympic story.
The first level, "Olympic World," explores the ancient origins of the Olympic Games in Greece and their revival by Pierre de Coubertin in 1896. Highlights include a display of authentic ancient Greek artifacts, a replica of the first modern Olympic flag, and an immersive video experience that transports viewers to the opening ceremonies of past Games.
The second level, "Olympic Games," is a deep dive into the modern Olympics, with exhibits dedicated to each edition of the Summer and Winter Games. Visitors can marvel at medals, torches, mascots, and uniforms from every Olympics since Athens 1896. Interactive displays allow guests to test their skills against Olympic records in sports like sprinting, basketball, and ski jumping.
The third level, "Olympic Spirit," celebrates the Olympic values and the impact of the Games on society. Exhibits explore topics like the Olympic Truce, sustainability in sport, and the role of technology in the Games. A Hall of Champions honors Olympic legends like Jesse Owens, Nadia Comaneci, and Usain Bolt, while a section on "Olympism in Action" spotlights the IOC‘s global initiatives for peace, education, and development through sport.
More Than a Museum
The Olympic Museum is not just a static display of the past – it‘s a dynamic center of learning, culture, and inspiration. The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, exploring diverse topics like the art of sport, the science of doping, and the politics of the Games. Recent exhibitions have included "We are Olympians, and You?" which used interactive exhibits to immerse visitors in the world of elite athletes, and "Riding the Olympic Wave" which traced the evolution of surfing from ancient Polynesia to its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
The museum also serves as a hub for Olympic education and research. The Olympic Studies Center, located on the museum grounds, is the world‘s leading library and archive for Olympic scholarship. Researchers from around the globe visit the center to access its vast collection of books, documents, and multimedia resources on the Olympic Movement.
For younger visitors, the museum offers a range of educational programs and workshops that promote Olympic values and healthy lifestyles. The "TOM Schools" program invites local students to spend a day at the museum learning about topics like fair play, respect for diversity, and the benefits of physical activity. A Youth Olympic Games exhibit challenges kids to design their own sports and medals, fostering creativity and innovation.
A Global Impact
The Olympic Museum‘s reach extends far beyond its walls in Lausanne. As the official museum of the IOC, it plays a key role in promoting Olympism and the Olympic values worldwide. The museum collaborates with National Olympic Committees, sports federations, and cultural institutions to create traveling exhibitions and educational programs that bring the Olympic spirit to communities around the globe.
In recent years, the museum has launched digital initiatives to engage audiences online, including virtual tours, educational webinars, and a popular social media campaign inviting fans to share their own Olympic memories and artifacts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum pivoted to offer a range of virtual programs, including an online exhibition on the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games and a series of live talks with Olympic athletes and experts.
"The Olympic Museum is not just a place to celebrate the past, but to inspire the future," says museum director Francis Gabet. "By sharing the stories and values of the Olympic Movement, we hope to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to strive for excellence, build bridges of friendship, and create a more peaceful world through sport."
Plan Your Visit
The Olympic Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm (except on Mondays from November to March). Admission is 18 CHF for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and families. Guided tours are offered in several languages, and audio guides are included with admission.
The museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms. A free smartphone app provides additional information and interactive features for many exhibits.
After exploring the museum, visitors can relax at the TOM Café, which offers panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The café serves a range of healthy, locally-sourced dishes inspired by the cuisines of past Olympic host cities.
For those seeking a deeper dive into Olympic history, the museum offers a range of scholarly publications, including books, journals, and research guides available for purchase at the museum shop or online.
Whether you‘re a casual fan or a die-hard devotee of the Olympics, a visit to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne is an unforgettable experience. As the global guardian of Olympic heritage and memory, the museum offers a treasure trove of artifacts, stories, and inspiration that will leave you marveling at the power of sport to unite and uplift the world.
Fun Facts and Figures
- The Olympic Museum welcomes over 250,000 visitors per year from more than 200 countries.
- The museum‘s collection includes every Olympic torch and medal since the modern games began in 1896.
- The heaviest object in the museum is a 700kg stone from the ancient Olympic stadium in Olympia, Greece.
- The museum‘s roof is designed in the shape of a dove, symbolizing the Olympic Truce and the hope for world peace.
- In 2020, the museum launched a virtual reality experience allowing visitors to "race" against Usain Bolt‘s world record 100m time.
- The Olympic Studies Center‘s library contains over 36,000 books and 400 journals related to the Olympics and sports.
- The museum building has won several architectural awards for its innovative design and sustainable features, including solar panels and a rainwater recycling system.
- Notable visitors to the museum have included Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, and numerous Olympic champions and world leaders.
