International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited the Beijing Olympic Museum on February 20, where he praised the museum for keeping the Olympic spirit alive and inspiring generations.
Accompanied by a delegation of IOC officials, Bach was welcomed by Beijing’s Vice Mayor Sima Hong and senior representatives from the Beijing Olympic City Development Association.
Located at the southern end of Beijing’s iconic National Stadium, known as the “Bird’s Nest,” the museum is a permanent tribute to the Olympic Games. Covering an expansive 26,000 square meters, it stands as a lasting legacy of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, immersing visitors in the city’s deep connection to the Olympic movement.
Bach took a trip down memory lane during his visit, reminiscing about his experiences working closely with the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. As he stood before models of the Olympic venues, he recalled the events held in each arena and the excitement they brought.
“It’s great to be back here in the Olympic Museum and to revive so many fond memories of Beijing 2022 and also Beijing 2008. These were two truly exceptional Olympic Games China offered to the world. Here, you can feel this spirit in this museum because it brings all these memories to life. It brings the Olympic spirit to life. And you can see how it is inspiring the young generation but also the older generation like me,” Bach said.
“Beijing can be very proud of being the one and only city of having organized Olympic Winter Games and Summer Games,” he added.
The timing of the visit coincided with a group of students participating in an Olympic-themed study program. Bach engaged with the students, asking about their favorite sports and encouraging them to pursue their passions. For many, this brief but impactful exchange could mark the beginning of a lifelong journey into the Olympic movement.
Bach joined the students in a lively virtual sports game in the museum’s interactive game zone, enthusiastically participating in a table tennis simulation powered by motion sensors.
As the visit came to a close, Bach left a heartfelt message for the museum and the city of Beijing: “Thank you very much to the Beijing Olympic Museum for keeping the Olympic spirit alive and inspiring all generations of Chinese people,” he wrote—a fitting tribute to a city that continues to celebrate and elevate the Olympic legacy.
