The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum continues to receive acclaim for its accessibility and inclusive design as the Museum was presented the 2020 Grand Award by the International Association for Universal Design. The Grand Award is the top award presented by IAUD.
“A great example of museum, and especially exhibit design for all, which embodies so completely the principles of inclusive design by treating all visitors as equal while providing for individual needs in a seamless and elegant whole,” IAUD judges wrote in announcing the award.
“Importantly, inclusivity is integrated into all exhibits, which are seamlessly linked by a fully adaptive user interface that automatically presents each exhibit according to the individual visitor’s needs and preferences. A tour de force by multiple design partners.”
The 60,000-square foot Museum, which recently was named by USA Today as the nation’s Best New Attraction in 2020, is considered one of the top places to visit in Colorado.
To maximize accessibility for all guests, the Museum features universal and inclusive design and includes accessible media, audio descriptions, wheelchair accessibility, tactility, open captioning and American Sign Language across all video content as well as other accessibility services.
“Accessibility and inclusivity has always been at the forefront of the Museum’s planning,” Museum Chief Executive Officer Christopher Liedel said. “This is a museum for everyone — of all abilities — and we are truly honored to have received such a prestigious award.”
The Museum has taken extensive measures to provide a safe and contactless environment so that guests can visit with confidence. The Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.usopm.org.
