Alf Engen Ski Museum receives prestigious gift from Olympic Games Museum

Annie Bommer and IOC President Thomas Bach at the Alf Engen Ski Museum in September of 2024. Photo: Tanzi Propst

PARK CITY, Utah – The Alf Engen Ski Museum, housed at the Utah Olympic Park, has added an extraordinary artifact to its collection—a bronze bust of Le Baron de Coubertin, known as the “Father of the Modern Olympic Games.” The sculpture was a gift from the Olympic Games Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, and is now proudly displayed on the museum’s second floor.

“This incredible gift gives us a major momentum boost as we strive to be one of the world’s finest ski museums,” said Annie Bommer, the museum’s executive director. Bommer emphasized the significance of building a relationship with the globally renowned Olympic Games Museum, especially as Utah ramps up its preparations to potentially host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.

Created by sculptor Wilhelm Gutwillinger, the 17×13-inch black bronze bust commemorates Pierre de Coubertin’s tenure as president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1896 to 1925. The bust bears an inscription on its base honoring Coubertin’s legacy.

The donation was presented by current IOC President Thomas Bach in September, though the accompanying credentials from Lausanne arrived only recently. The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including philanthropist Spence F. Eccles, who received the prestigious “Le Baron de Coubertin Award” in 2002 for his contributions to the Salt Lake City Olympic Games. Museum founder Alan Engen and trustees John Durham and Barbara Yamada also joined the event.

The acquisition was facilitated by Park City resident Tom Kelly, spokesperson for the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the 2034 Winter Games and a key member of the Engen Museum’s Board of Trustees.

“This connection between the Engen Museum and the Olympic Games Museum represents not only a shared respect for history but also a forward-looking vision as Utah builds momentum for future Olympic aspirations,” Kelly said.

Visitors can view the bust alongside exhibits celebrating the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and the rich skiing heritage of the region.