It was only in late July that the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) opened to the public, yet the new Colorado Springs attraction has already drawn much attention in the last two months.

“The museum is one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world, designed so all guests experience the museum the same way,” said Tommy Schield, director of marketing and communications at USOPM. “Team USA athletes were involved and consulted throughout the project to achieve our goal of authentic experience and inclusive design.”

This includes activities and programming for students — offering them a chance to learn the history of the Olympics and Paralympics and listen to the stories of Team USA athletes.

Credit: Nic Lehoux

“Students can not only learn about the Games at the USOPM, but they also experience them,” Schield said. “The museum offers six interactive sports where visitors can try 30-meter dash, alpine skiing, archery, goalball, skeleton and sled hockey.”

Among USOPM’s 12 galleries is the Sports Science Lab — a great learning opportunity perfect for students. The lab demonstrates how science and technology help maximize athlete performance.

The World Watches gallery features artificial intelligence that allows students to have a conversation with an Olympic pr Paralympic athlete.

The museum plans to bring in a few programs for students in the coming weeks and months.

“The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers the resiliency curriculum and programming — which is funded by the Colorado Health Foundation — and will be available on usopm.org in the coming months,” Schield said.

On October 13 and 16, USOPM will host Cool Science Night, where participants will have the chance to design and create their own medal out of recycled materials and/or take the augmented reality scavenger hunt.

Credit: Nic Lehoux

In 2021, the museum will offer Japanese cultural programs including art camps and workshops, music and sport demonstrations, cooking classes and more — coinciding with the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

USOPM is taking extra steps to ensure guest safety and is currently using a timed-ticketing entry to comply with social distancing.

“That said, we require one chaperone per every 10 students,” Schield said.

Student groups should also make sure to stop by Flame Café, connected to the museum and offering Neapolitan-style pizza and gourmet salads and sandwiches crafted by an award-winning chef.

For more information call 719-497-1234 or go to usopm.org.