The Olympic Museum

Online Exhibit

Let’s Move & Celebrate! The Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Within the context of Paris 2024's Opening Ceremony, we are looking back at some of the most iconic moments from the past five Olympic Games' opening ceremonies.

Online Exhibit

Athens 1896: the invention of the marathon

The marathon owes its existence to Frenchman Michel BRÉAL, who suggested the idea to his friend Pierre de COUBERTIN in June 1894. Two years later, the race was first introduced at the inaugural Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

Online Exhibit

Exactly 42.195 kilometres?

Between the Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 and Paris in 1924, the distance of the marathon was in a permanent state of flux. It was officially set at 42.195 kilometres in 1921 and has stayed the same ever since.

Online Exhibit

Spiridon LOUIS

The Greek athlete was the first winner of the Olympic marathon in Athens in 1896.