A lot has changed since 1948 – the last time the Olympics took place in London – especially in the world of design.
So, here’s a trip down logo memory lane – starting with the vibrant present and working our way to the elegant past.
London, 2012 (Summer)
Motto: Inspire a generation.
Vancouver, 2010 (Winter)
The 2010 Winter Olympics logo, named Ilanaaq the Inukshuk. Learn more
Motto: With glowing hearts (Des plus brillants exploits)
Beijing, 2008 (Summer)
The “Dancing Beijing” emblem, depicting a Chinese seal inscribed with the character “Jīng” (京), from the name of the host city in the form of a dancing figure. Learn more
Motto: One World, One Dream (同一个世界 同一个梦想)
Turin, 2006 (Winter)
The emblem shows a stylized profile of the Mole Antonelliana, drawn in ice crystals in white and blue, signifying the snow and the sky. The crystal web also portrays the web of new technologies and the Olympic spirit of community. Learn more
Motto: Passion Lives Here
Athens, 2004 (Summer)
Motto: Welcome Home
Salt Lake City, 2002 (Winter)
The emblem combines a snow crystal, and a sun rising over a mountain. The colors; yellow, orange and blue; represent the varied Utah landscape. Learn more
Motto: Light The Fire Within
Sydney, 2000 (Summer)
Motto: Thousands of hearts with one goal / Share the Spirit / Dare to Dream
Nagano, 1998 (Winter)
The emblem represents a flower, with each petal representing an athlete practicing a different winter sport. It can also be seen as a snowflake, thus the name “Snowflower” was given to it. Learn more
Motto: Coexistence with the Nature
Atlanta, 1996 (Summer)
Motto: The Celebration of the Century
Lillehammer, 1994 (Winter)
The emblem is a stylized aurora borealis (northern lights) and snow crystals. Learn more
Motto: From the heart-Together with Love
Barcelona, 1992 (Summer)
Motto: Friends Forever (Amigos Para Siempre)
Albertville, 1992 (Winter)
The emblem is the Olympic flame in the colours of the Savoie region, above stripes representing the colours of France. Learn more
Motto: At the Peak of Performance
Seoul, 1988 (Summer)
Motto: Harmony and Progress
Calgary, 1988 (Winter)
The emblem is a stylized, pentagon-shaped, snowflake and maple leaf,made up of five large and five small letters of “C” to symbolize the country of Canada and the city of Calgary, above the Olympic rings. Learn more
Motto: Can You Feel It?
Los Angeles, 1984 (Summer)
The logo of the games featured five blue, white and red stars arranged horizontally and struck through with alternating streaks; it was named “Stars in Motion.” Learn more
Note: It appears that prior to 1988, the individual games did not have mottos separate from the overall Olympics motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, which is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
Sarajevo, 1984 (Winter)
The emblem symbolizes a stylized snowflake, as well as the embroidery produced in the Sarajevo region with the Olympic rings above. (Learn more)
Moscow, 1980 (Summer)
Lake Placid, 1980 (Winter)
The emblem is a line that forms the Adirondacks, which turns into a column on the left, paying tribute the ancient Olympic games. On the top of the column it is serrated to hold the Olympic rings. This represents a double cauldron, acknowledging that the Olympics were also held in Lake Placid in 1932. Learn more
Montreal, 1976 (Summer)
Innsbruck, 1976 (Winter)
The emblem represents the coat of arms of Innsbruck, which shows the bridge on the Inn River that connects the old town and the Hötting district. The bridge and the Olympic rings symbolize the link that ties the many peoples of the world with friendship through the Olympic Games. The top of the coat of arms has two indents which match two of the Olympic rings and represent the 1964 and 1976 Winter Games which Innsbruck celebrates. Learn more
Munich, 1972 (Summer)
Sapporo, 1972 (Winter)
The emblem comprises the Rising Sun of Japan; a snowflake, a symbol of winter; and the Olympic rings with “Sapporo ’72” underneath. Learn more
Mexico City, 1968 (Summer)
Grenoble, 1968 (Winter)
The emblem represents a snow crystal and three red roses, the symbol of Grenoble, and the Olympic rings. Learn more
Tokyo, 1964 (Summer)
Innsbruck, 1964 (Winter)
The emblem represents the coat of arms of Innsbruck, which shows the bridge on the Inn River that connects the old town and the Hötting district. Learn more
Rome, 1960 (Summer)
Squaw Valley, 1960 (Winter)
The emblem represents a star or snowflake, and the Olympic rings. Learn more
Melbourne, 1956 (Summer)
Cortina d’Ampezzo, 1956 (Winter)
The emblem is a stylized snowflake with the Olympic rings and a star, the emblem of the Italian National Olympic Committee. Learn more
Helsinki, 1952 (Summer)
Oslo, 1952 (Winter)
The emblem is the New Oslo City Hall overlayed by the Olympic rings, and surrounded by the phrase, “The 6th Winter Olympic Games Oslo 1952″. Learn more
And finally …
London, 1948 (Summer)
For comparison, here’s the “old” London logo next to the “new” one:
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