Joan Antoni Samaranch Olympic and Sports Museum

The Olympic and Sports Museum Joan Antoni Samaranch in Barcelona represents an important testimony of the sports history not only of Catalonia, but of the whole world. Located on the Montjuïc hill, next to the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the museum was inaugurated in 2007 and named in 2010 after Joan Antoni Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001, who played a key role in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The museum covers an area of over 4,000 square meters and offers an interactive experience that engages visitors in a journey through the history of sports, exploring its competitive, recreational, educational, and social dimensions. One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is its ability to use cutting-edge technologies and multimedia installations to create an immersive and dynamic experience. This innovative approach allows to present sports not only as a physical activity, but as a cultural and social phenomenon that brings people together and promotes universal values such as perseverance, loyalty, and respect. The museum’s permanent collection includes a wide range of objects and historical artifacts related to the world of sports. Among the most significant pieces are the equipment used by world-famous athletes, Olympic posters, trophies, and medals. Particularly fascinating is the section dedicated to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, an event that not only transformed the city, but also marked a turning point in the history of the Olympic Games. This section includes the “Magic Box”, the Barcelona Olympic bid dossier designed by André Ricard and acclaimed for its innovative design. The museum also hosts a series of temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of sports and their cultural and social implications. For example, exhibitions like “Paris 2024. Games Wide Open” offer an in-depth look at the upcoming Paris Olympics, exploring the culture and legacy of the Games. These exhibitions are often accompanied by educational programs and interactive activities that engage visitors of all ages, making the museum a lively and dynamic place. Another fundamental aspect of the Olympic and Sports Museum is its commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports. The museum dedicates ample space to the representation of sports for people with disabilities, highlighting the stories and successes of Paralympic athletes. This commitment reflects the museum’s mission to promote sports as a tool for social integration and a universal language. The architecture of the museum, designed by architects Xavier Basiana and Toni Camps, is another element that contributes to creating a unique experience for visitors. The building consists of two spacious blocks covered by a rooftop garden, which provide a picturesque backdrop for the exhibitions. The layout of the exhibition spaces and the innovative use of technologies create a welcoming and stimulating environment that invites visitors to explore and discover.