Events - Grevin Museum: Pierre de Coubertin, Father of the Olympic Games, Immortalized

By Mulder, 03 june 2024

As the city of Paris prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Musée Grévin is set to unveil a new wax figure representing Pierre de Coubertin, the man credited with reviving the Olympic Games in their modern form. This tribute testifies to Coubertin's enduring legacy and the essential role he played in transforming the global sporting landscape.

Pierre de Coubertin (1863-1937) was a visionary who reintroduced the Olympic Games in 1896, inspired by the ancient Greek tradition. His efforts not only brought this prestigious sporting event back into the spotlight, they also infused it with values that continue to resonate today. The modern Olympic Games, held for the first time in Athens, marked the beginning of a new era in international sporting competition, driven by Coubertin's ideals of excellence, friendship and respect. Pierre de Coubertin's contributions to sport and education are monumental. Over 600 sites in France and 40 worldwide bear his name, testifying to his considerable influence. His wax figure at the Musée Grévin, an institution renowned for its lifelike representations, underlines the lasting impact he had on the world.

Since its creation, the Musée Grévin has celebrated the giants of sport. From the first representations of athletes such as Georges Carpentier in 1920 and Suzanne Lenglen in 1928, to modern legends such as Clarisse Agbégnénou and Martin Fourcade, the museum has showcased figures who have left an indelible mark on their respective sports. Coubertin now joins this illustrious list, underlining his essential role in shaping the Olympic movement. The creation of the wax figure of Pierre de Coubertin was a meticulous process, led by Claus Velte and the talented team at Grévin. Representing Coubertin at the age of 31, the figure was sculpted from a single photograph, under the direction of the Association Familiale Pierre de Coubertin. The project took six months to complete, a testament to the precision and dedication required to produce a creation that captures the essence of Coubertin.

Pierre de Coubertin was ahead of his time, seeing sport as a vehicle for social progress and peace. At a time when sports were essentially reserved for the elite, he championed the democratization of sporting activities. In 1906, he founded the Société pour les Sports Populaires, whose aim was to promote social integration through sport and make physical education accessible to young people from all walks of life. This initiative played a decisive role in integrating sports into schools, revitalizing physical education in France. Pierre de Coubertin's advocacy extended to gender equality in sport. Under his presidency, the number of female athletes increased six-fold, testifying to his commitment to integration. Inspired by Anglo-Saxon models, he also played an important role in the development of secular scouting, creating opportunities for young people to engage in outdoor activities.

Perhaps one of Pierre de Coubertin's most enduring contributions was the design of the Olympic rings, five interlaced rings representing the unity of the five continents. This symbol has become synonymous with the Olympic Games, embodying the spirit of solidarity and competition on a global scale. Coubertin's pacifist ideals were also evident in his decision to establish the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee in neutral Switzerland, underlining his belief in the unifying power of sport.

Since its opening in 1882 on the Grands Boulevards in Paris, the Musée Grévin has been a place of culture and entertainment. Attracting over 900,000 visitors a year, the museum is renowned for its dynamic, interactive exhibits. The wax figure of Coubertin will join a host of other notable personalities, from athletes like Teddy Riner and Martin Fourcade to cultural icons like Guillaume Apollinaire and Marcel Proust.

The museum is constantly evolving to remain relevant and attractive, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience. Recent additions include contemporary star figures such as Antoine Griezmann, Audrey Fleurot, and even the beloved Pat'Patrouille characters. This mix of historical and modern figures ensures that the Musée Grévin remains a must-see destination in Paris.

The unveiling of Pierre de Coubertin's wax figure is a timely celebration of his visionary work, as Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games. Coubertin's ideals and contributions laid the foundations for what has become one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. His presence in the Musée Grévin not only honors his legacy, it also inspires future generations to uphold the values of the Olympic movement.

(Soruce : press release)