Huge success for Olympex: the exhibition on Olympic stamps, coins, memorabilia and art has been attended over the last 10 days by more than 100,000 visitors. “We could have sold many more tickets, but for security reasons we had to limit the entrance to 10,000 people per day”, explains Manfred Bergman, the coordinator of the exhibition.

 

The philatelic exhibition showcases the most prestigious stamps with a link to Olympism, including stamps from more than 125 countries that have been specially issued for the Beijing Olympic Games. One of the highlights of the assorted exhibits is the prestigious collection of Juan Antonio Samaranch, the IOC's Honorary President. “It’s not only about stamps, but also about their historic importance and the huge value they represent,” explains Bergman. For this veteran in Olympic philately, it is one of the most important exhibitions ever staged by the Olympic Movement. “And our Chinese visitors, real fans in this field, just love them”, he concludes.

 

The other highlight of the exhibition is the display of Olympic torches. As an exclusive exhibition and for the first time outside the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, all Olympic torches – form both summer and winter Games - are on display. Visitors can also admire a wide range of Olympic medals, from both the current and previous Games. Costumes used at opening ceremonies add a very colourful touch to this part of the exhibition. These memorabilia and many artworks from the Olympic Museum in Lausanne have been selected and monitored by its Director, Francis Gabet, and his team.

 

Pins are an integral part of Olympic memorabilia collections. Coca-Cola has presented its first pin ever and is staging its traditional pin trade show. Other sponsors have also made a huge effort in research and are displaying historical documents and items they have specifically prepared for the current and previous Games editions.

 

In addition, the finalist entries of the Olympic Art Contest are on show. A spectacular 100kg gold coin announcing the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games has been unveiled during Olympex. The visitors also particularly appreciated the possibility of striking their own medallions.

 

Learn more on www.2008expo.org and join in Olympexpo!