Piece of Utah Olympic history finds permanent home at Salt Lake City International Airport

The Hoberman Arch was installed at the Salt Lake City International Airport on August 29, 2023. Photo: Salt Lake City International Airport

SALT LAKE CITY — A familiar face recently restored to its former glory will now greet visitors at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

The Hoberman Arch served as the backdrop of the Medals Plaza stage during the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

The arch is a giant mechanical curtain that stands 36 feet tall and 72 feet wide, and weighs approximately 31,000 pounds. At the time of its construction, it was the largest folding structure in the world.

The restored arch, which now sits at the airport’s exit, was unveiled today in a ceremony hosted by the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, the Department of Airports and the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games.

The arch opened and closed to mark milestones in the 2002 Olympic Games, and for some, represents the hope that Utah may once again host the games in the coming years.

“The Hoberman Arch is one of the lasting legacies from the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and, hopefully, a lens for us to envision hosting future Winter Games,” said Erin Mendenhall, Salt Lake City mayor. “To have the arch permanently placed in an area that will welcome so many people to Salt Lake City is a fitting tribute for such a memorable piece of our history and a reminder of our Olympic spirit.”

“The Hoberman Arch is an iconic element that showcases the athletic success of the 2002 medalists and our accomplishment as a community in hosting the Games,” said Fraser Bullock, the Salt Lake City Utah Committee for the Games president and CEO. “It is also a star that guides us in bringing a future Games back to Utah in 2030 or 2034.”

The Hoberman Arch was designed by artist, architect and engineer Chuck Hoberman, who was inspired by Utah’s iconic arches. The arch was restored by a team led by artist Gordon Huether, and the project cost $3.79 million to complete.

“Our studio is proud to have had the opportunity to repair and restore this important Salt Lake City icon that will greet millions of visitors and locals to Utah for generations to come,” said Gordon Huether.