Commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Centennial Olympic Games at Atlanta History Center July 23–September 5th.
Explore the legacy and spirit of the Games.
The opening week of the Tokyo Olympic Games marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. Join us in celebrating this milestone by exploring digital resources, onsite experiences, and virtual programming beginning July 23 through September 5, 2021.
Events
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Atlanta History Center
Friday, July 23
7–11am -
Atlanta History Center
Tuesday, August 24
9am–4pm
Randal Roark & Michael Dobbins in conversation about how Atlanta leveraged the benefits of the Centennial Games to become a city of international prominence.
Watch NowAtlanta ’96
Drawn from Atlanta History Center’s distinctive collections, Atlanta ’96 is filled with iconic and unexpected objects, stories, and expanded memories of the Games.
Learn moreStories
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The 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games presented Atlanta with a unique design opportunity. Designers needed to create a system that highlighted the history and culture of the American South while showcasing the host city. They also needed to develop an identity that commemorated the 100th anniversary, or centennial, of the modern Olympic Games. Atlanta wasn’t just the host city—it was the city of the century.
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Atlanta’s Paralympic Games represent many significant benchmarks for Paralympic and disability history.
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In advance of the 1996 Olympic Games, organizers in Atlanta worked to harness the power of new technologies to showcase the city as cutting edge and progressive—just as many host cities before them had done.
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The story of any Olympic Games includes the efforts of civic activism on the part of residents of the host city. Atlanta was no different.
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During the Olympic Games, hosts invite the world into their cities. But what happens after the world leaves and at what cost to the community?
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One of the 1996 Olympic Games’ polarizing feat of technology and design was the ‘96 Games’ mascot: Izzy.
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Atlanta’s Games included legendary athletes, intense rivalries, and exciting underdogs. We’ve collected a few of our favorites from the summer of ‘96.
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Though today’s Olympic Games promote excellence in sport, that hasn’t always been the case. In the early 20th century, participants could win gold medals for art and literature alongside their athletic counterparts.
During the summer of 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Olympic Games and the 10th Paralympic Games. It all started with a bid.
Read moreBeginning July 19, view a special installation showcasing artifacts from the Atlanta Games, a world-wide selection of Olympic torches, and artifacts and mascots from Paralympic Games around the globe.
Grateful appreciation is extended to the generous donors who have made our Olympic and Paralympic collection what it is today.
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Explore. More.
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Explore more than 20 onsite and online exhibitions about the people, cultures, and history that have shaped Atlanta.
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Uncover a collection of undertold narratives from our city’s past.
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Atlanta History Center offers a variety of annual programs that explore and celebrate our shared history.
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Researchers can explore much of Atlanta History Center’s museum, archival, and oral history collections online.