The Olympic Museum in Lausanne: A Temple of Sport and Art
Opened on June 23, 1993, The Olympic Museum (TOM) in Lausanne, Switzerland, was established by Juan Antonio Samaranch, with the Olympic flame being ignited by Katarina Witt. The museum covers 3,000 square meters across three levels and showcases 1,500 artifacts alongside 200 interactive displays, drawing in 200,000 visitors each year. Its extensive collection features medals, costumes, torches, and photographs from the Summer Games since 1896 and the Winter Games since 1924. After renovations in 2007 and enhancements in 2013, it was honored as the European Museum of the Year in 1995. Additionally, the site includes an 8,000-square-meter sculpture park with 43 pieces from renowned artists like Fernando Botero and Auguste Rodin, and the entrance staircase, designed by Pedro Ramirez Vásquez and Jean Pierre Cohen, comprises 97 steps.
Key facts
- The Olympic Museum (TOM) is located in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva.
- It opened on June 23, 1993, founded by Juan Antonio Samaranch.
- Katarina Witt lit the Olympic flame at the inauguration.
- The museum has 3,000 square meters of exhibition space, 1,500 objects, and 200 interactive screens.
- It attracts about 200,000 visitors per year.
- The museum was named European Museum of the Year in 1995.
- Henry Moore's sculpture 'The Egg' was on loan for a year in 1995.
- The sculpture park contains 43 works by artists including Botero, Rodin, and Calder.
Entities
Artists
- Juan Antonio Samaranch
- Katarina Witt
- Pierre de Coubertin
- Henry Moore
- Fernando Botero
- Auguste Rodin
- Niki de Saint Phalle
- Lucien Wercollier
- Jean Tinguely
- Antoni Tàpies
- Alexander Calder
- Pedro Ramirez Vásquez
- Jean Pierre Cohen
Institutions
- The Olympic Museum (TOM)
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- European Council
Locations
- Lausanne
- Switzerland
- Lake Geneva
- canton of Vaud