Beijing museum reopens to celebrate Olympic legacy

After undergoing two years of renovations, the Beijing Olympic Museum reopened to the public, commemorating the second anniversary of the successfully hosting of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The opening ceremony on Saturday featured a congratulatory video message from the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach.

Bach noted that as the world’s first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, Beijing has scripted a great Olympic history that every Chinese can be proud of. The museum, as a testament to its Olympic legacy, will inspire every visitor with timeless Olympic values.

Sima Hong, vice-mayor of Beijing, also addressed the event. She said the museum will serve as a cultural hub to highlight the distinctive allure of Beijing as a“Dual Olympic City”.

Through a wide variety of exhibitions, educational research and cultural exchange initiatives, the museum aims to showcase and promote the Olympic spirit of both the Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022. Collaboration with international organizations such as the International Olympic Committee and the International Group of Olympic Museums will be continually enhanced to collectively promote the Olympic spirit, she said.

By connecting such museums worldwide, the network establishes a platform for the exchange of ideas that foster the unity of diverse cultures and nations, added Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, an IOC member who attended the event.

During the event, five Olympic champions, namely, speed skater Ye Qiaobo, table tennis legend Deng Yaping, Judo master Tong Wen, speed skaters Wu Dajing and freeskier Han Xiaopeng donated exhibits to the Beijing Olympic Museum.

The Beijing Olympic Museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Operating hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Group visits can be arranged with free reservations, while individual visitors are welcome without prior appointments.