IPC to open historic 'Change Starts with Sport' exhibition in 2026

To commemorate the anniversary of its founding on 22 September 1989, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has unveiled plans for a new permanent exhibition, set to open in 2026 at its Campus in Bonn, Germany.

The exhibition will feature Paralympic medals, torches, mascots, and sport equipment, alongside interactive zones that explore the rich history and transformational impact of the Paralympic Movement. Designed to inform and inspire, the exhibition will celebrate the achievements of Para athletes and the evolution of Para sport worldwide.

Courtesy of funding from Aktion Mensch and the Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR) the immersive “Change Starts with Sport” exhibition will feature multiple interactive zones that celebrate sport performance and the power of Para sport in advancing disability inclusion and driving social change. It will showcase role models from Para sports and provide knowledge on rights, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Designed with inclusion and accessibility at its core, the exhibition will include audio guides, descriptive audio videos, tactile interfaces and Easy Read text to read or listen to. All exhibits will be optimised for wheelchair users and people with short stature. Audio descriptions will include accompanying sign language versions. A mascot gallery will also be part of the exhibit, as will an original podium from the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The exhibition will span 800 square metres and feature five dynamic zones that each explore a unique facet of the Paralympic Movement, from its historical roots and global impact to the vibrant community of athletes and members and partners who help drive it forward.  At its centre will be the striking ‘medals wall’, a tribute to Paralympic excellence featuring gold, silver, and bronze medals from every Games since Rome 1960. While its heritage collection grows, the IPC will feature certain medals through generous loans and donations from past Paralympians, ensuring their legacy is celebrated and preserved.

In parallel, the IPC will launch a complementary online exhibition featuring 3D models of medals, torches and other Paralympic items, as well as oral histories, archival documents, and educational resources. The digital platform will extend the exhibition’s reach to a global audience, with a goal of engaging half a million visitors by 2030.

Dr Mike Peters PLY, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This historic Paralympic exhibition is more than a celebration of sport, it’s a platform for education, empowerment, and social change. By showcasing the stories, achievements, and legacy of the Paralympic Movement, we aim to inspire a new generation who embrace diversity, see strength in difference, and drive equity for people with disabilities.

“We are incredibly grateful to Aktion Mensch and the Landschaftsverband Rheinland for their support because they are helping to make a magical reality out of what has been a near 30-year-long dream for the IPC. We look forward to welcoming visitors both in-person and online from next year.”

The physical exhibition is scheduled to open by autumn 2026, followed by the online launch before the end of the year.