Nagano’s Olympic Legacy

In 1998, the world turned its eyes toward Nagano as the city hosted the XVIII Winter Olympic Games, a milestone that brought sporting glory and placed Nagano firmly on the global map. Today, that legacy is preserved at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games Museum. The museum located inside M-Wave, the striking speed skating arena that served as one of the Games’ signature venues.

Step inside and you’re instantly taken back to that thrilling winter. The museum features an impressive collection of memorabilia, including athletes’ uniforms, medals, torches, event footage, and original signage from the Games. Interactive touchscreens and video installations invite visitors to relive iconic moments, such as Japan’s gold medal in ski jumping or the dramatic figure skating performances that captured hearts around the world. More than just a celebration of sports, the museum offers a glimpse into the spirit of the late 1990s, a time of optimism, pride, and global connection.

Step onto the same ice where Olympic athletes once competed

But the Olympic experience doesn’t stop at the museum. The area around it still carries the energy of the Games. M-Wave continues to serve as a vibrant multipurpose venue, regularly hosting skating competitions, exhibitions, and concerts. During public skating hours, visitors can even step onto the same ice where Olympic athletes once competed. It is an unforgettable way to connect with the legacy firsthand.

For families, sports fans, or anyone with a soft spot for nostalgia, the museum makes for a rewarding half-day outing. Especially when paired with a stop at nearby Aqua Wing, another legacy venue. Or a stroll through the quiet neighborhoods just outside the city center.

The 1998 Winter Games may have melted into memory, but the spirit of that Olympic winter still resonates in the snow-capped peaks and polished halls of this remarkable museum.

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