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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Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Screening
Atlanta History Center
Friday, July 23
7–11am -
Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony Screening
Atlanta History Center
Tuesday, August 24
7–11am
Virtual Author Talk
Join us on July 21 at 7pm for a virtual conversation with Randal Roark & Michael Dobbins about how Atlanta leveraged the benefits of the Centennial Games to become a city of international prominence.
Register nowAtlanta ’96
Explore the Exhibition
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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Designing ‘96
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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The 10th Paralympic Games and Their Place in Disability History
Atlanta’s Paralympic Games represent many significant benchmarks for Paralympic and disability history.
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Games of the Digital Age
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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Direct Action: Voices of Dissent & Social Activism in Atlanta’s Olympic History
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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Venues and Impact: Planning the Sites of ’96
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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Mighty Morphin’ Mascot
One of the 1996 Olympic Games’ polarizing feat of technology and design was the ‘96 Games’ mascot: Izzy.
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Medals and Milestones: Our Favorite Moments from the ’96 Games
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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Not Just Sports: Arts and Culture of the ’96 Games
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.
How Atlanta Became a Host City
During the summer of 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Olympic Games and the 10th Paralympic Games. It all started with a bid.
Read moreRountree Visual Vault
Beginning 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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Exhibitions
Explore more than 10 onsite and online exhibitions about the people, cultures, and history that have shaped Atlanta.
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Stories
Uncover a collection of undertold narratives from our city’s past.
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Public Programs
Atlanta History Center offers a variety of annual programs that explore and celebrate our shared history.
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Search the Collections
Researchers can explore much of Atlanta History Center’s museum, archival, and oral history collections online.