Art competitions at the Summer Olympics

Art competitions at the Summer Olympics
IOC CodeART
Events14 (mixed)
Summer Olympics
  • 1956
  • 1960
  • 1964
  • 1968
  • 1972
  • 1976
  • 1980
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 1992
  • 1996
  • 2000
  • 2004
  • 2008
  • 2012
  • 2016
  • 2020
  • 2024
  • 2028
  • 2032

Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games during its early years, from 1912 to 1948. The competitions were part of the original intention of the Olympic Movement's founder, Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. Medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport, divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture, which led to the events' initial moniker of "Pentathlon of the Muses."

The juried art competitions halted after a 1949 decision by the IOC that since the majority of art contestants worked as professional artists, the competitions contradicted the Olympic spirit of amateur competition, which was more strictly enforced for athletes. Art exhibitions replaced the competitions in the following years, and since 1956, host nations have organized Cultural Olympiads at their own discretion.