Samaranch Memorial Hall

Samaranch Memorial Hall

The Samaranch Memorial Hall is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Samaranch Memorial Hall is located in the Health Industry Park of Tuanbo New Town West District, Jinghai District, Tianjin, China, and opened to the public on April 21, 2013. The memorial was founded by Mr. Wu Jingguo, an Executive Board Member of the International Olympic Committee and President of the International Boxing Association. It is the world’s only venue authorized by the Samaranch family and approved by the International Olympic Committee to commemorate Mr. Samaranch and promote the Olympic spirit. The Samaranch Memorial Hall is now a member of the International Olympic Museums Network, a group member of the Chinese Museums Association, and a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Mr. Wu Jingguo served as a member of the International Olympic Committee for over twenty years and developed a deep friendship with Mr. Samaranch, gaining profound insight into his ideals and aspirations throughout life. Before his passing, Mr. Samaranch gifted his lifelong collection of more than 16,578 items to his close friend Mr. Wu Jingguo. To create a place for the world to remember and admire this great Olympic figure, and to leave a testament to Olympic history, Mr. Wu founded the Samaranch Memorial Hall.

The memorial covers a total area of 216 mu, with a building area of approximately 19,000 square meters and an exhibition area of 4,000 square meters, extending along a gentle slope. There are no stairs throughout, providing barrier-free access for elderly and mobility-impaired visitors. The main structure features the convergence of two circular forms: first, in the shape of an “8” to commemorate the 2008 Beijing Olympics; second, in the shape of an “S” representing the first letter of Samaranch’s name; and third, symbolizing infinite development and eternity. The architecture employs a circular and ringed ramp design, organically integrating two buildings and three sunken courtyards. These five circles represent the Olympic rings, symbolizing the unity of the five continents through the Olympic Movement.

The exhibition area is divided into 14 sections, displaying various books, stamps, souvenirs, sculptures, paintings, letters, photographs, personal belongings, and extremely valuable documents related to the Olympic Committee that were part of Samaranch’s collection.

The memorial was designed by RAA, a world-renowned museum design consultancy. Its innovative and unconventional form uses on-site restorations, audiovisual effects, and other display methods to immerse visitors in a futuristic experience.

Surrounding the main building are lifelike Olympic sports sculptures and expansive garden landscapes. There is also an 89-foot-tall fountain commemorating Mr. Samaranch’s passionate 89 years of life. Plants, fountains, sculptures, and buildings complement one another in perfect harmony.

Inside the main building of the Samaranch Memorial Hall, in addition to showcasing Mr. Samaranch’s lifetime collection, there are also an auditorium, temporary exhibition halls, and a winter garden, available for hosting press conferences, seminars, exhibitions, corporate events, and other activities. The memorial also features a Spanish-style restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a sports experience area, establishing itself as a diverse, comprehensive platform.

To fulfill the Olympic mission of diversity, the Samaranch Memorial Hall actively collaborates with the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Science and Technology Commission, and Sports Bureau to promote the development of various “practice bases” and educational and competitive activities. These initiatives encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles centered around sports and exercise from an early age, thereby transforming their way of life.

Address: Tuanbo Avenue, Health Industry Park, Jinghai District

Phone: 59597299