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Colorado Vignette - World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame

The World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame, sponsored by the United States Figure Skating Association, was founded in Boston in 1965 as a repository for the Association's many trophies and official records. Soon a vision of a world-class museum dedicated to the sport of figure skating began to take shape.

The vision solidified in 1979 when the USFSA moved its headquarters from Boston to Colorado Springs and dedicated a large section of its new office building to the Museum. Today the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame is that world-class museum. It is the only institution of its kind in the world. In 1984, the International Skating Union recognized the Museum as the official world repository for the sport of figure skating.

The primary purpose of the Museum is to preserve the heritage and history of the sport of figure skating, including its fine art, literature, music, records, trophies, medals, graphics, films, tapes, costumes and other artifacts. The collections are not confined to any particular area of the sport. The Museum maintains and exhibits materials representative not only of the sport of figure skating over the years but also of ice skating in general.

At the Museum, a unique experience awaits the visitor. Colorful and informative exhibits lead the viewer on a journey to a greater appreciation and understanding of skating in all its forms and aspects.

HISTORY
Trace the history of skating from ancient to modern times. Get to know some of the sport's most honored and celebrated personalities. Relive magical moments through skating films, videos and photographs. Enjoy the extensive collection of skating outfits and costumes, rare medals and trophies, posters, magazines, programs, pins and much, much more.

ART
Enjoy the extensive collection of fine art on skating themes - works from Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Hendrick Avercamp, Winslow Homer, and Icart. Delight in the many beautiful and charming objects d'art in silver, crystal, porcelain, bronze and ivory

SCIENCE
Travel back in time 1200 years to trace the development of the skate from early carved bones to the shining steel blades of today. See the development of the skating boot and the skating blade. Learn the intricacies of jumps and spins.

WORLD HALL OF FAME
A special gallery honoring those from around the world who have made individual contributions to the sport of figure skating. Here you will find the great names of the sport, past and present.

U.S. HALL OF FAME
A special gallery honoring those Americans who have made important contributions to the sport as competitors and as officials.

SPECIAL EXHIBITION - "OLYMPIC GOLD - Fifty Years of American Achievement"
On View now through September, 2002 "Olympic Gold" showcases the ten Olympic Winter Games from 1948 to 1998 in Button's costumes and two gold medals - one from 1948 (St. Moritz) and one from 1952 (Oslo). It continues with the next nine gold medallists, including such luminaries as Peggy Fleming, Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi. The exhibition ends with Tara Lipinski's costume, skates and gold medal from 1998 in Nagano, Japan. The simple but elegant design of the exhibit highlights the costumes, medals, images and achievements of the Olympic gold medallists. It includes photographic images of past Olympic Winter Games and an array of Olympic memorabilia, including commemorative pins, dolls, toys and programs.

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