New Olympic museum opens in Rio

By Rafael Khalatyan

 

 

 

Located on the second floor of the velodrome at the heart of the Olympic Park, the building invites visitors on a dynamic and interactive journey through the first Games ever held in South America, celebrating the city's remarkable transformation, unforgettable sporting moments, and the enduring legacy left behind.

The Rio Olympic Museum officially opened its doors last week, coinciding with the ninth anniversary of the Rio 2016 Summer Games, and Eduardo Paes, the mayor of the iconic city, emphasised its significance, "The museum shows that we hosted a beautiful celebration that captivated the world and left a legacy that goes far beyond the Games," he remarked. "Everyone who visits will relive the excitement and better understand how it all came together."

The museum is designed to immerse visitors in the Olympic experience. Key highlights include 13 thematic zones and 80 interactive activities, ranging from simulated gymnastics rings to canoe slalom experiences.

It displays original Rio 2016 artefacts, such as the Olympic torch, medals, and equipment. Stories from athletes, volunteers, organisers, and officials are brought to life through rich multimedia presentations. A substantial 39% of the content is dedicated to the history and values of the Olympic Movement, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Olympism. The museum also seamlessly integrates with the surrounding Olympic legacy projects and community facilities.

The Rio Olympic Museum has become the 37th member of the Olympic Museums Network, joining a prestigious international organisation founded in 2006 and chaired by The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, as he OMN is dedicated to advancing the culture, heritage, and legacy of the Olympic Games globally. Its members are united by the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect, and solidarity, collaborating to share best practices in storytelling, collection management, and educational programming.

 

Angelita Teo, director of the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage, also highlighted the museum's vital role in said mission. "This Rio Olympic Museum captures the thrill and glory of the Olympic Games, while also telling the powerful story of how Rio 2016 helped to transform the city and impact the lives of its people," Teo stated. 

"As a member of the Olympic Museums Network, it will play an important role in advancing our shared mission to promote the values of sport and Olympism across Latin America and beyond," she added.

Created with a focus on sustainability and innovation, the museum also showcases the wider legacy of Rio 2016. This includes significant developments such as new public transport systems, like the BRT and VLT, which have greatly improved urban connectivity. 

Additionally, it highlights 'nomadic architecture' solutions, where dismantled Olympic venues have been cleverly repurposed into educational facilities, notably the Future Arena transforming into schools.

The Rio Olympic Museum is an integral part of the ongoing transformation of the Rio 2016 Olympic Park. The velodrome, housing the museum, now serves as a dual-purpose facility for both elite athletes and the local community. 

The surrounding area has also seen significant redevelopment; the former Olympic Way has been revitalised into Rita Lee Park, a vibrant public space, while the former Carioca Arena 3 has been ingeniously repurposed as the Isabel Salgado Olympic Education Gymnasium, now serving as a public school. 

ITG