Written By: Adina Vega
Edited By: Michelle Sosa and Genevieve Hammang
The outside of the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
Most children participating in organized sports will admit that they have Olympic heroes who inspire them to run faster, swim faster, and lift heavier. Their dedication, tenacity, and resilience on the field or in the pool enabled them to achieve greatness only the elite can possess. The Olympic and Paralympic Museum (USOPM) in Colorado Springs showcases the hopes and dreams of athletes worldwide. The museum’s architecture is distinctive and visually stunning. It is situated close to the mountains and not far from a vibrant downtown.
The USOPM is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, values, and achievements of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The museum features 13 galleries related to the Olympic Games, which encompass summer and winter sports, and the Paralympic Games, which focus on athletes with disabilities. Visitors can explore an array of interactive displays, simulators, artifacts, installations, and multimedia presentations that highlight significant milestones and emotional moments from the history of these events. Every exhibit tells the remarkable story of athletes who instill pride in our nation, showcasing the essential values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements: friendship, respect, excellence, determination, equality, inspiration, and courage.
Museumgoers, younger and older, interact with the Museum’s many installations.
The museum showcases Olympic memorabilia, such as trophies, torches, uniforms, and medals from previous Olympic Games. It also highlights the development of the Paralympic Games and shares motivational stories of athletes who have triumphed over physical challenges. The museum underscores the principles of Olympicism—excellence, friendship, and respect—while promoting inclusion and equality in sports.
The museum provides important insights into the Games’ cultural, social, and historical significance and impact on global sports culture. It functions as both a tourist destination and an educational hub, inspiring visitors of all ages.
In 2020, USA TODAY honored the USOPM as the Best New Attraction in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. Visitors can experience a 360-degree immersive digital experience, giving them a taste of what it’s like to walk alongside Team USA during the opening ceremonies. The museum also features an athlete training gallery where guests can engage in six interactive sports: the 30-meter dash, alpine skiing, archery, goalball, skeleton, and sled hockey. Furthermore, it boasts one of the world’s most expensive Olympic medal and torch collections.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum complies with all ADA standards.
The Museum was designed to provide equal enjoyment for all visitors by integrating various universal design technologies, including open captions, audio description tracks, universal keypads, RFID-triggered customizations, and accessible exhibit spaces featuring ramps. Team USA athletes significantly contributed to the project, ensuring a genuine experience. The Museum adheres to ADA standards in every aspect.
Why is the museum situated in Colorado Springs? The city hosts the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), 24 National Olympic Governing Bodies, more than 50 national sports organizations, the Colorado Springs Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, and now the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. The Museum operates seven days a week. For further details on visiting, please click here. Can’t make it to the Museum anytime soon? Check out the virtual tour here.
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