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Description
The project "Olimpia - Museum of Sport and Mountain Tourism" (OMST) is the core of a new museum section, capitalizing on the first research project on the history of sports and mountain tourism in the Brasov area, the valorization of a rare collection of cultural heritage. OMST is a project that goes through all the stages / functions of a museum''s definition: the curatorial research project, research of heritage, discovery of cultural goods and development of the museum collection, preservation, restoration, classification of national heritage, valorization of the heritage as a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibitions and other cultural-educational activities in order to recreate the general public and popularize history. The aim of the project is to valorize the cultural heritage through an innovative exhibition, with mobile cultural goods of national and international interest. Specific Objectives: the valorification of 25 historical sport pieces as valuable assets, through the restoration, classification and capitalization of the museum; the cultural revitalization of a historic building (Olimpia) through a permanent exhibition with unconventional themes, supported by the new technologies, with the exposure of min. 75 historical pieces relevant to the history of Romanian sports, with 10,000 beneficiaries in the short term; developing professional skills for 7 specialists, members of the implementation team, in the field of historical heritage with sporting themes.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to build upon the first research initiative exploring the history of sports and mountain tourism in the Brașov area by showcasing and preserving a rare cultural heritage collection. This collection served as a valuable visual representation of the historical and cultural significance of sports, highlighting its broader cultural impact and ensuring its recognition and appreciation by a wider audience.
The project significantly enriched the local and national cultural tourism landscape by increasing cultural engagement and broadening the appreciation of sports history. Through its thematic exhibition, innovative museum presentation methods, and the emotional connection fostered with visitors, it enhanced the visibility and accessibility of sports heritage. From its opening ceremony, Olimpia has become a key meeting place for sports and mountain tourism enthusiasts, serving as a space for social recognition of athletes and a model for honoring their achievements beyond their active careers.
By organizing exhibitions and workshops, the project has also played a vital role in educating children about sports culture and mountain civilization. Additionally, the museum has taken crucial steps in preserving Romania’s sports and mountain tourism history by initiating the collection and classification of cultural assets. Its international recognition was strengthened through exhibitions in Belgium, which had a meaningful impact on the self-esteem of the Romanian community abroad, and by securing full membership in the International Mountain Museums Alliance (IMMA) alongside Europe’s most prestigious mountain museums.
The project has also pioneered collaborations with the Ski and Biathlon Federation and introduced an innovative museum partnership with Salvamont. For specialists, it has transformed from a thematic research initiative into a fully developed research center with a dedicated archive and cultural asset management system, involving a multidisciplinary team of researchers, museologists, an archivist, and a conservator.
The annual number of visitors to heritage sites and participants in cultural activities doubled, reflecting increased public engagement and interest in the museum’s offerings. A new exhibition featuring restored movable cultural assets was developed, providing visitors with deeper insights into the historical significance of sports and mountain tourism. As part of its preservation efforts, the project successfully restored and classified 25 movable cultural assets, which are now on public display. Additionally, eight professionals improved their skills and expertise through specialized training.