U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Celebrate American Olympic & Paralympic heroes through immersive exhibits, interactive simulators, and a vast collection of artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Celebrate American Olympic & Paralympic heroes through immersive exhibits, interactive simulators, and a vast collection of artifacts.
"Absolutely amazing and super informative and educational, with a neat system to save facts to your account."
🎯 Reserve Tickets Ahead
Booking online is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially skip lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Athlete Artifacts & Memorabilia
Throughout the museum
See iconic torches, medals, uniforms, and equipment from legendary U.S. Olympians and Paralympians.
Interactive Sport Simulators
Various exhibit areas
Test your skills with hands-on simulators that let you experience the thrill of Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Personalized Digital Experience
Exhibit entrances
Scan your badge to save facts, slideshows, and athlete stories to your account for later review.
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Architectural Significance
Exterior and interior
Appreciate the museum's unique architecture, which tells its own story of innovation and inspiration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Tickets & Timing
Interactive Exhibits & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Reserve Tickets Ahead
Booking online is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially skip lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors!
📱 Utilize the Digital Badge
Scan your badge to save exhibits and athlete info to your email.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least two hours to fully explore the extensive exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Reserve Tickets Ahead
Booking online is recommended to guarantee entry and potentially skip lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors!
📱 Utilize the Digital Badge
Scan your badge to save exhibits and athlete info to your email.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least two hours to fully explore the extensive exhibits.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Ask volunteers about architectural details and exhibit significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum for its incredibly informative and educational exhibits, highlighting the vast collection of artifacts and high-tech interactive displays. The museum's commitment to accessibility, with features like sign language videos and wheelchair access, is frequently commended. While some found the text on plaques small, the overall experience is described as amazing, immersive, and highly recommended for all ages.
"Absolutely amazing and super informative and educational. I thought they had such a neat system where you can scan your badge and save different facts and slideshows to your account and send them to your email. You can customize your experience depending on what sports you're interested in or just stroll throughout all the exhibits. They have a mass amount of artifacts as well as some demonstration exhibits.
I like that they have different accessibility options such as sign language videos in the corner of most displays on screen. The plaques that explain the exhibits or the artifacts are a little small in type but overall very explanatory. You will definitely get a good amount of exercise walking around the multiple floors. It is wheelchair accessible. They have a very cute gift shop with very reasonable prices and not marked up like I've seen a lot of other places try to do. I also stopped by the cafe afterwards and notice they had a good assortment of different type of Cuisines to demonstrate the international aspect and the pricing seemed really good.
It had great few of the train tracks next door. I don't know that small children would be as excited or intrigued since they wouldn't really know what was going on since it is a little more involved and the athletes and Exhibits that they explained span back several decades."
Human Entity T
"This was an amazing experience. You definitely need more than two hours to go through the entire museum. The entire facility was immaculate and clean. The UCHealth hand sanitizer stations are everywhere because there are many interactive displays and exhibits. Very family and kid friendly. I will definitely come back when I have more time."
Robert Edwards
"Great collection of Olympic stuff: the torches, all the medals, many uniforms and equipment. Very high tech with lots of displays and interactive stations. (caution about that over time. Difficult and expensive to repair or replace...)
I would have liked an audio tour or something that delivers more information. For example, how many sports have there been, over time? How are events chosen? Which cities have turned down the Olympics? What is the legacy of the Games, after a city has hosted? When were the first Paralympic games and where? How is the US Olympic team funded? Why and when were professional athletes allowed? Etc, etc. Nevertheless, an excellent visit."
Rick Regan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Colorado Springs. Driving is a common option, with parking available nearby. Public transportation routes also serve the area, and ride-sharing services are readily accessible. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
While the museum itself may not have dedicated parking, there are several public parking garages and lots within walking distance in downtown Colorado Springs. It's advisable to check local parking apps or websites for availability and rates.
Yes, Colorado Springs has a public bus system that serves downtown. You can check the Mountain Metro Transit website for routes and schedules that will take you close to the museum.
Absolutely! The museum is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout. Many exhibits are also designed to be enjoyed from a seated position.
For visitors staying in Colorado Springs, driving or using ride-sharing services are convenient. If you're exploring downtown, walking is also a great option to see the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but it's recommended to check the official museum website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. Booking in advance online is often advised.
While walk-up tickets may be available, reserving your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy periods or special events, to ensure entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Always check the official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
The museum may offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, or children. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for details on available discounts.
Yes, tickets can typically be purchased at the museum's entrance, but it's strongly advised to book online beforehand to guarantee your entry and avoid potential disappointment, especially during peak times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that at least two hours are needed to fully experience the museum's extensive exhibits and interactive displays. Some may spend even longer if they engage with all the simulators.
Visitors rave about the vast collection of athlete artifacts, including torches and medals, as well as the highly engaging interactive sport simulators. The personalized digital experience is also a highlight.
While the museum is family-friendly and has interactive elements, some exhibits are more complex and geared towards older children and adults who understand the history and context of the Olympics and Paralympics.
While official guided tours might not be a daily offering, the museum encourages visitors to engage with staff and volunteers who can provide insights. The digital badge system also offers a personalized way to learn.
The museum is highly accessible, offering features like sign language videos on screens, wheelchair accessibility throughout, and exhibits designed for various abilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers a good assortment of cuisines, reflecting the international aspect of the Games. Prices are generally considered reasonable.
The cafe aims to offer diverse culinary options, showcasing international flavors. It's a great place to refuel after exploring the exhibits.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume them before entering or utilize the cafe facilities.
Being located in downtown Colorado Springs, there are numerous restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the museum, offering a wide range of dining experiences.
The cafe is generally welcoming to families. The diverse menu options can cater to various tastes, making it a convenient spot for families visiting the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts. Always check for posted signage.
The museum's modern architecture, the displays of iconic memorabilia like torches and medals, and the interactive exhibits offer many visually appealing opportunities for photos.
Drone photography is strictly prohibited inside and around the museum premises due to safety and security regulations.
The official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum website and their social media channels are the best places to find high-quality, official photos of the museum and its exhibits.
The museum's unique, modern design looks impressive from various angles. Try capturing it from street level to showcase its scale, or from slightly elevated positions for a broader view.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider planning your visit during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds, which can make the experience more enjoyable for younger visitors. The museum cafe also offers a good variety of food options, making it convenient for families to refuel. The gift shop is also noted for having reasonable prices, which is a plus for souvenir hunting with kids.
🏛️ History Buffs & Sports Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the digital archives accessible via the scannable badge. This feature allows you to delve deeper into specific sports, athlete biographies, and historical events that might not be covered in extensive detail on the physical displays. Engaging with museum staff can also provide nuanced historical perspectives and answer specific questions about the Olympic movement.
♿ Visitors with Disabilities
Key features include integrated sign language videos on many displays, ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors have full access to information. The museum's commitment to showcasing Paralympic athletes means that the experiences are often designed with diverse needs in mind. This dedication to accessibility makes it a truly welcoming and inspiring place for everyone to celebrate the achievements of American athletes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Interactive Experience
Beyond the digital aspect, the museum boasts numerous hands-on simulators that allow visitors to try their hand at various Olympic and Paralympic sports. These simulators offer a fun and engaging way to understand the physical demands and skills required for these disciplines. The integration of technology ensures that the exhibits are dynamic and cater to a wide range of interests and learning styles, making the history of the Games come alive.
Accessibility for All Athletes
Furthermore, the museum incorporates inclusive technology and presentation methods. Many displays include integrated sign language videos, ensuring that deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can fully comprehend the information. The interactive elements are also designed with diverse needs in mind, allowing for participation regardless of physical capability. This thoughtful approach makes the museum a true celebration of all American athletes, embodying the spirit of inclusivity.
Architectural Storytelling
From its striking exterior to its thoughtfully laid-out interior spaces, the museum's design aims to evoke a sense of dynamism and grandeur. The use of materials and the flow of spaces are intended to guide visitors through the journey of American Olympic and Paralympic history. Engaging with museum staff or volunteers can provide deeper insights into the symbolic meanings embedded within the building's design, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit