Museum of XIV Winter Olympic Games was opened on 8th February 1984, with the intent to permanently preserve and inherit the memory of the organization of one of the biggest sporting events held in South East Europe.
At the beginning of the war and ongoing destruction of B&H society itself, one of the first civilization and cultural institution which was destroyed in April of 1992, was Olympic Museum in Sarajevo.
Olympic Sarajevo and B&H in Februray 2004 marked the twentieth anniversary of XIV Winter Olympic Games.
As part of the jubilee, Olympic Museum as a symbol of Olympics had been restored, and was formally opened in the presence of the International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge.
Present location of the museum, Zetra Olympic Hall
The concept of Olympic Muesum is set so through XIV Olympic Winter Games should present the spirit of Olympic values and affirms the humane and sublime side of sport and culture. Since the last working day of the old museum in 1992 the new aspects of exhibition have been introduced, and history became integral part of the museum. Images of burning Museum in April of 1992, and burned Olympic medals are impressive remains of the war in B&H. Specially prepared work on the Sarajevo Olympics theme and works of Andy Warhol, Henry Moor, Pisolett, and other international artists are part of the unique concept of the Olympic Museum, which is a cultural project as a result of combination of art and sport.
According to the words of the honorary president of the International Olympic Committee Juan Antonio Samaranch, XIV Winter Olympic Games were represented by then best organized games in the world. Undivided was the opinion of the entire sporting and public worldwide. Winter Olympics in Sarajevo were held on 8th to 19th February of 1984, and participated by 49 Olympic committees.
Present day Olympic Museum interior at Zetra Hall
In the 6 competition disciplines and 39 events were involved by 1274 competitors. Sarajevo Games will remain unforgettable for sports results of Javna Torvill and Christopher Oean, Katarina Witt, Phillip and Steven Mahera and Didier Bouvet.
In the Centuries long existance of the city of Sarajevo, and country of B&, aside of Sarajevo assassination and recent tragical war events, XIV Winter Olympic Games are important determinant in defining the history of the city and beyond – the state and social realities. We believe that keeping the memories of the organization of a great sporting event as they were XIV Olympic Games, recognizable in the world amongst sport officials, represents a significant incentive for young generations in the future significant achievements in sporting and social matter.
Of course, the Winter Olympic Games were an event in which they have positive memories. Olympics remains a symbol of better tmorrow.
