Your Guide to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

The U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum stands as a beacon of athlete excellence and accessibility. This guide delves into its immersive exhibits that celebrate the dedication of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians. Its inclusive design embraces all visitors and the interactive experiences awaiting you in the heart of Colorado Springs.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs exhibits a dynamic spiraling design, advanced interactive exhibits tailored to visitor preferences, and is an architectural testament to the inclusivity and accessibility in design, recognized by the International Association for Universal Design.
• As a central hub of ‘Olympic City USA,’ the museum archives history, serves educational purposes, and integrates into the community with outreach programs and events, contributing to Colorado Springs’ longstanding Olympic legacy and culture.
• The museum transcends being merely an exhibition space, offering a unique visitor experience with amenities like the Flame Café, exclusive retail merchandise, diverse event hosting capabilities, and galleries that bring to life the history and stories of both Summer and Winter Games.

A Journey Through the Spiraling Galleries

A signature feature of the museum is its dynamic spiraling form, resembling the fluidity and grace of athletic motion. Crafted from more than 9,000 distinctive, folded anodized diamond-shaped aluminum panels, the façade of the museum evokes a feeling of movement. This dynamic form is supported by a robust structure consisting of a steel frame superstructure, drilled shaft caisson foundations, and cast-in-place concrete lateral cores.

Within this museum building, you’ll find an architectural marvel that includes:

• An internal structure designed to guide and immerse
• The central atrium space, illuminated by a skylight, serves as a navigational beacon guiding visitors through the museum
• The gallery space, designed to resemble overlapping petals, encircles the central atrium
• Clerestory lighting is used to create a gentle daylight effect and assist in navigation

Building's Dynamic Spiraling Form

The building’s dynamic spiraling form is a distinct architectural gesture that captures the essence of athletic movement. This unique design allows visitors to descend through the galleries via one unified pathway, enhancing their experiential journey through the museum. The physical realization of this spiraling form is enabled by a robust structure consisting of a steel frame superstructure, drilled shaft caisson foundations, and cast-in-place concrete lateral cores.

The spiraling form is not just a visual delight but also a functional one. As visitors ascend through the galleries, they are treated to an unfolding narrative of the Olympic and Paralympic movements, guided by the building’s perimeter. This journey, reminiscent of the path an athlete takes, adds a unique dimension to the museum experience.

Immersive Interactive Exhibitions

With its technologically avant-garde interactive exhibitions, the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum presents a captivating exploration of American Olympic and Paralympic history. As you navigate the 20,000 sqft of gallery space, you’ll encounter:

• Personalized RFID-triggered customizations
• A fully adaptive user interface
• Tailoring the content of interactive exhibits to individual needs and preferences.

The museum’s inclusive approach ensures an engaging experience for all, with low-sensory exhibit options available upon request for guests with sensory sensitivities. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll come across must-see artifacts and insights into pivotal historical events, from Chuck Aoki’s rugby wheelchair to the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games.

The Pinnacle of Accessibility

The U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum stands not only as a tribute to Olympic and Paralympic history but also as a symbol of inclusivity. Recognized by the International Association for Universal Design with the 2020 Grand Award, the museum sets a new standard in inclusive design. The museum offers a range of accessibility services, including:

• Accessible media
• Open captioning
• American Sign Language across videos
• Specialized equipment like transport chairs and sensory bags

These features make it one of the most accessible museums in the world.

The museum’s architectural feature, a dynamic spiraling form, facilitates a seamless experience for all visitors. This continuous path emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring visitors with and without disabilities share the same enriching, educational, and inspiring experience.

Inclusive Design Principles

The principles of inclusive design employed by the museum transcend typical accessibility codes and ADA stipulations. The museum features universally designed keypads and retractable tactile keypads to facilitate accessibility and independence in the exhibit spaces. During registration, visitors can choose customized accessibility options, including audio-described video, screen readers, high contrast, larger font sizes, and a tactile floor strip that activates audio descriptions in each gallery.

The museum’s design philosophy treats all visitors with equal importance, ensuring individual needs are catered to. This commitment is further reflected in the innovative displays that engage all senses, including open captions, audio-description tracks and assisted listening, demonstrating the museum’s commitment to sensory accessibility.

Advanced Consulting Engineers' Role

Without the expertise of seasoned consulting engineers, the creation of one of the world’s most accessible museums would not have been achievable. They were integral to the museum’s design team, ensuring all relevant accessibility codes and standards were met. Their contributions played a significant role in the museum’s recognition as a highly accessible venue, speaking volumes about their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

The engineers’ role was not confined to meeting codes and requirements. Their focus on accessibility went beyond the norm, ensuring the museum didn’t just meet the needs of visitors with disabilities, but exceeded them. Their work was instrumental in creating an environment where all visitors could have a shared experience, regardless of their abilities.

Celebrating Olympic City USA

Colorado Springs holds the esteemed title of ‘Olympic City USA’ with pride. Designated as the home of Team USA in 1978 when the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) relocated there from New York, it has since served as a hub for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movements. The city’s natural training grounds and culture promote excellence across multiple domains, including:

• Education
• Medicine
• Technology
• Culture

The city doesn’t just host the headquarters of the USOPC; it supports elite athletes through the ‘Athletes Welcome’ program, providing accommodations and other forms of support to those in the city for official training or competitions. Such a rich Olympic legacy makes Colorado Springs the perfect home for the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum.

Colorado Springs' Olympic Legacy

Colorado Springs is a city steeped in Olympic history. The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, established in 1978, is a premier training site where approximately 15,000 athletes train each year. The city is also home to numerous athletic facilities, fostering elite competition and athlete preparation across multiple sports disciplines.

Beyond being a training hub, Colorado Springs has a storied tradition of hosting world-class sports events such as the U.S. Women’s Open, USA Boxing National Championships, and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. This rich sporting culture, combined with initiatives like the Olympic City USA Field Days program, connects local physical education teachers and students to the inspiring ethos of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

Museum's Role in the Community

The U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum serves as:

• An archive of Olympic history
• A venue for community events
• An educational hub
• A symbol of the city’s Olympic legacy

By fostering tourism and promoting Olympic values, the museum contributes to the cultural fabric of Colorado Springs.

The museum also offers outreach programs and initiatives to connect with the local community. These range from educational programs for students, to hosting special events like virtual Q&A sessions with former Olympic athletes. These initiatives allow the museum to engage the community and inspire future generations of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Hosting Events with a View

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum is not only a museum but also a distinctive venue for hosting unforgettable events. From corporate meetings and training seminars to holiday parties, the museum offers a unique ‘Olympic City, USA’ experience. Event managers at the museum work closely with organizers to ensure that events align with their vision and budget, catering to various group sizes and needs.

The museum offers a variety of spaces for hosting events. A 2,000-square-foot theater within the museum can accommodate a 130-person audience, with removable seats for added versatility.

Terraced Hardscape Plaza

One of the museum’s standout features is the terraced hardscape plaza, a multifunctional space suited to host outdoor events throughout the year. The plaza includes integrated amphitheater seating, capable of accommodating 230 people, making it ideal for audiences at events.

The plaza’s design is in harmony with the natural landscape, offering a seamless integration with the surrounding park. This enhances the visitor experience, allowing them to engage with the museum’s architecture while enjoying the beauty of Colorado Springs.

Lighting Strategy Doubles as Event Ambiance

The museum's lighting strategy significantly enhances the ambiance of any event. The museum’s façade, composed of over 9,000 unique, folded anodized diamond-shaped aluminum panels, catches and reflects the light, creating a dynamic play of gradients and colors.

During evening events, the reflective quality of these panels enhances the environment, providing extraordinary light quality. The panels interact with artificial lighting to create an enchanting mood and ambiance, adding a touch of magic to any event.

The museum’s lighting strategy goes beyond illumination, becoming an integral part of the event experience.

Café and Retail: Savor and Souvenirs

A trip to the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum offers more than just an exploration of history and architecture; it also provides a feast for the senses. At the Flame Café, visitors can savor a wide range of food and beverage choices, including freshly made pizzas and selections of local craft beers. The café is open to both museum patrons and the general public, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

After exploring the museum and enjoying a meal at the café, visitors can take a piece of their experience home from the museum’s retail store. From accessories and apparel to toys, games, and books, the museum shop offers an assorted collection of souvenirs.

Café Optimize

The Flame Café, strategically placed within the museum, offers more than just delectable cuisine; it offers a dining experience with a view. Visitors can enjoy their meals while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, enhancing their overall experience.

From early morning breakfasts to leisurely lunches, the café offers a variety of dishes to cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a museum visitor wanting to refuel after exploring the exhibits, or a local looking for a unique dining experience, the Flame Café is a must-visit.

Exclusive Merchandise

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Shop offers an exclusive shopping experience to visitors. The shop features an assorted collection of souvenirs, including:

• Accessories
• Apparel
• Hats
• Bags
• Backpacks
• Jewelry
• Drinkware
• Writing instruments
• Keychains
• Magnets
• Pins
• Stickers
• Toys
• Games
• Books

Visitors can engage with a Personalized Digital Retail Experience at the museum shop, which includes a digital mirror for virtually trying on favorite gear. The shop also features a ‘Shop by Collection’ option, allowing guests to browse items related to specific themes or particular Olympic and Paralympic Games. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Olympic City USA merchandise contributes to the success of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Engaging with the Seasons: Summer and Winter Games

Relish the excitement of the Summer and Winter Games at the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum. The museum’s exhibits take you on a journey through the history of these iconic events, showcasing memorable moments and iconic athletes. As you immerse yourself in these exhibits, you’ll relive some of the most inspiring moments in Olympic and Paralympic history. 

From Jesse Owens’ four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics to Michael Phelps’ record-breaking eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the museum’s exhibits bring these historic moments to life. The Summer Games gallery at the museum uses both physical and digital elements to share these stories and more, offering a unique perspective on these iconic events.

Summer Games Glory

The Summer Games gallery provides an in-depth exploration of the history and accomplishments associated with these events. The exhibits highlight iconic moments, from Greg Louganis’ triumphant comeback at the Nagano 1998 Winter Games after a severe crash to Simone Biles’ dominance in gymnastics at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

The gallery also celebrates the achievements of individual Team USA athletes who have left their mark on the Summer Games. From Eddie Tolan to Shannon Miller and Carl Lewis, each exhibit tells a unique story. These exhibits not only honor the athletes but also inspire visitors with their tales of determination, resilience, and triumph.

Winter Games Wonders

The museum's Winter Games Gallery showcases an exclusive collection of artifacts and a hundred years of Winter Games history. These exhibits bring to life the triumphs and trials of Winter Games athletes, from the Jamaican bobsled team’s debut at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics to Shaun White’s historic Double McTwist 1260° at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

Each exhibit in the gallery tells a unique story, from dramatic upsets to amazing comebacks. Take, for example, the story of Ester Ledecká of the Czech Republic who made history at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games by winning gold in two different sports, the Super-G in skiing and the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding. These stories, and many more, bring the Winter Games to life, offering an immersive and inspiring experience.

Summary

The U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum is more than just a building; it’s a celebration of athletic prowess, a beacon of inclusivity, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics. From its dynamic spiraling architecture to its immersive interactive exhibits, the museum offers visitors a unique journey through the history of the Summer and Winter Games. As you explore the museum, dine at the Flame Café, or shop for exclusive souvenirs, you’re not just visiting a museum; you’re becoming part of the Olympic and Paralympic story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Olympic Museum cost?

The Olympic Museum's admission fee is $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children aged 5-12. Children 4 and under can enter for free.

How long does it take to see the Olympic Museum?

You should plan for at least two hours to fully explore the Olympic Museum and enjoy the exhibits.

Who designed the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum?

The US Olympic and Paralympic Museum was designed by the interdisciplinary design studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

Why is Colorado Springs called Olympic City?

Colorado Springs is known as Olympic City USA because it is home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

What is unique about the architecture of the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum?

The architecture of the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Museum is unique due to its dynamic spiraling form, which reflects the fluidity and grace of athletic movement. This is achieved through a robust structure that includes a steel frame superstructure, drilled shaft caisson foundations, and cast-in-place concrete lateral cores.