The Samaranch Memorial

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

　　Mr. Wu Jingguo served as an IOC member for over 20 years and developed a deep friendship with Mr. Samaranch, gaining profound insight into his life ideals and aspirations. During his lifetime, Mr. Samaranch gifted his dear friend Mr. Wu Jingguo with a collection of more than 16,578 treasured items. To create a place for people around the world to remember and admire this great Olympic figure, and to leave a testament to Olympic history, Mr. Wu established the Samaranch Memorial.

　　The Samaranch Memorial covers a total area of 216 mu (approximately 14.4 hectares), with a building area of about 19,000 square meters and an exhibition area of 4,000 square meters. The structure extends along a gentle slope, featuring no stairs throughout to provide barrier-free accessibility for elderly visitors and those with mobility challenges. The main building has a design of two interlocking circles — the first represents the shape of the number “8” in commemoration of the 2008 Beijing Olympics; the second takes the form of an “S,” symbolizing the first letter of Samaranch’s surname; and the overall shape conveys a sense of infinite development and eternity. The architecture features a circular ring and ramp design that organically integrates 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, showcasing various books, stamps, souvenirs, artworks, sculptures, paintings, as well as letters, photos, personal belongings related to Mr. Samaranch, and extremely valuable documents associated with the IOC.

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

　　Surrounding the main building are vivid Olympic sports sculptures and expansive landscaped gardens. There is also an 89-foot-tall fountain commemorating Mr. Samaranch’s 89 years of passionate life. Plants, fountains, sculptures, and the building blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious whole.

　　Inside the main structure of the Samaranch Memorial, in addition to displaying Mr. Samaranch’s lifetime collection, there are also a lecture hall, temporary exhibition spaces, and a winter garden, suitable for hosting various press conferences, seminars, exhibitions, corporate events, and activities. The memorial also includes a Spanish-style restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a sports experience area, making it a diverse and comprehensive multi-functional platform.

　　In fulfillment of the Olympic Movement’s diverse mission, the Samaranch Memorial actively collaborates with the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Science and Technology Commission, and Sports Bureau to promote the development of various “practice bases.” It offers educational and competitive activities to encourage young people to adopt healthy lifestyles centered on sports and exercise from an early age, thereby transforming their way of life.

　　Address: Tuandong Avenue, Health Industry Park, Jinghai District

　　Phone: 59597299