U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum Opens to Public

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum officially opened its doors to the public today. The museum is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the Olympic and Paralympic movements, with Team USA athletes at the center of the story.

“This Museum has been nearly 10 years in the making, and we are excited that these incredible stories will come to life in Olympic City USA,” said USOPM CEO Christopher Liedel. “The Museum is more than a sports museum. It is a museum of hopes and dreams. And we think the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum will provide athletes and fans alike with a space to celebrate friendship, determination and all the best values Team USA athletes embody.”

The 60,000-square foot building, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro features 20,000 square feet of galleries, a state-of-the-art theater, event space and café. Twelve galleries with exhibitions designed by Gallagher Associates follow a narrative arc that takes guests through Team USA athlete's journey. With its universal design and technology capabilities, the museum is one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world. Guests can customize their sport preferences and accessibility needs for a tour that is uniquely their own. Team USA athletes were involved and consulted throughout the project to achieve the USOPM’s goal of an authentic experience and inclusive design.

“Every aspect of our design strategy has been motivated by the goal of expressing the extraordinary athleticism and progressive values of Team USA,” said Benjamin Gilmartin, architect and Partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro. “A taut aluminum façade flexes and twists over the building’s dynamic pinwheel form, drawing inspiration from the energy and grace of Olympians and Paralympians. Inside, descending galleries are organized along a continuous spiral, enabling visitors of all abilities to have a shared, common experience along a universal pathway. After leading the museum’s design for the past six years, I’m so moved by the collective, herculean effort that allowed us to now share these stories of perseverance with the public.”

Working alongside local and state health officials and its operating partner Gallagher Museum Services, the Museum has also taken extensive measures to provide a safe environment for guests and staff, including timed ticketing and various additional wellness procedures. More information can be found at usopm.org/safety.

To learn more, visit dsrny.com/project/us-olympic-museum and usopm.org to plan a visit to the Museum located in Colorado Springs – Olympic City USA.

The project press kit can be downloaded here.