Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the US Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs

The high-tech, touch-free museum first opened on July 30, 2020, giving new life to the Colorado city’s title as “Olympic City USA.” The experience, however, starts in the parking lot: The 60,000-square-foot structure shimmers with over 9,000 anodized diamond-shaped aluminum panels, designed to give a sense of movement — like a discus thrower. And in between the cascading layers of silvery steel rises Pikes Peak, a juxtaposition begging for a photo op.

Photo: Jacqueline Kehoe

Inside, you walk into a 40-foot-tall atrium, where you can start programming your experience to take a unique tour. With your RFID-enabled visitor tag, you can generate content for your accessibility needs, and you can choose your favorite events and athletes; whenever you walk up to an interactive exhibit, your preferences will pop right up. Boxing, swimming, rhythm gymnastics, Trischa Zorn, Simone Biles — you name it.

You’ll then take an elevator up to the museum’s first gallery. From there, your experience will literally swirl downward slowly. The museum is among the most accessible museums in the world — ramps connect every gallery, exhibits are at wheelchair-height, and visual displays can be adjusted for sensory needs. As for content, the Paralympics are on par with the Olympics, ensuring that everyone walks away with an understanding that both events are worthy of awe and admiration.

Photo: Jacqueline Kehoe

The 12 galleries mirror an athlete’s journey, from training to medaling. You’ll be able to race Jesse Owens, walk into a virtual Parade of Nations, virtually downhill ski, wave your hands to manipulate screens, be able to “Ask an Athlete” their favorite pizza toppings via AI. Even better, you’ll be able to ask a real athlete: Many of the staff are former Olympians, Paralympians, or hopefuls. From staff to exhibit design to voiceovers, the museum tapped into the knowledge of world-class athletes at every turn. Make conversation with whoever you can — they might have experienced the Parade of Nations firsthand.

The final 10-minute film, To Take Part, commemorates the best moments of Team USA, a veritable highlight reel of human emotion and physical success. It also wraps up what makes this museum so impactful: It puts everyone on the same team. It’s the story of humans breaking down barriers, breaking records, and striving to achieve their best. As you wander through the exhibits, you root for the athletes. You marvel at what they’re capable of. You find out where they’re from, their shoe size, their struggles — you get a chance to view them as your peer. You walk away drenched in a long-standing global event where countries cooperate together and take part in the same dream. Maybe it’ll inspire you to run a marathon, maybe it’ll inspire you to watch more curling, maybe it’ll just inspire you to visit more museums. But it will inspire you and leave you feeling hopeful.

How much does it cost to visit the Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs?

Cost of admission to the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum:

• Adult (13-plus): $19.95
• Child (five to 12): $11.95
• Child (under five): Free
• Senior (65-plus): $15.95
• Military (upon presentation of an ID): $15.95
• First Responders (upon presentation of an ID): $15.95
• College Student (upon presentation of an ID): $15.95

How long does it take to visit the Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs?

Plan to spend two hours at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum. You can either opt for the self-guided tour which takes about 90 minutes, or the excellent one-hour guided tour, but no matter what, you’ll want to carve out some time to stop at the Flame Café, where you can try out some local craft beer and take in the views from Pikes Peak and The Front Range, and visit the gift shop.

What are the hours of operation of the Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs?

The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum is open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

When did the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum open?

The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum opened on July 30, 2020, the summer when the Tokyo Summer Olympics Games were supposed to take place. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo Summer Olympics took place in 2021 instead.

Who designed the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado?

Photo: Jacqueline Kehoe

The US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, one of the most accessible museums in the world, and also one of the most architecturally striking, was designed by New York City-based design firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R).

Why is Colorado Springs called “Olympic City USA”?

Colorado Springs is known as “Olympic City USA” because, since 1978, it is the headquarter of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. It is also the US Olympic & Paralympic Training Center where more than 15,000 athletes train every year.

Colorado Springs has never been the host of any Olympic Games.

Where to stay near the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum

We hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Colorado Springs so that you can easily visit the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, check out the options below.

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