Totally 80

The five rings that crown the symbol of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games represent the worldwide mark of the International Olympic movement. Based on a design first created by Pierre De Coubertin, the rings represented the five inhabited land masses of the world.

The column portion of the symbol represents the Olympic Torch and the Olympic Rings in this design serve as the eternal flame.

The two cauldrons atop the column represent the two Lake Placid Olympic Winter Games (1932 and 1980).

A graphic interpretation of mountain slopes and trails complete the Primary Symbol for the XIII Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid.

The overall look of the completed Primary Symbol forms the letter “L” which reflects the first letter of Lake Placid, the site of the 1980 Games. The official full color version of the Primary Symbol embodies the colors of the USA, red, white, and blue.

Robert Whitney needed to create a logo and graphics for 1980 that could be identifiable to the world and be relevant to the times. The U.S. wanted a reason to celebrate. The graphics needed to be upbeat, vibrant, and embody the values of the Olympics.

In 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking U.S. hostages, the Soviet military invaded Afghanistan & the Cold War between the Soviets and US-led Western powers continued. President, Jimmy Carter was leading a country during a recession.

Positively communicated by the bright colors of a rainbow made it an attractive choice as a design element. The popularity of rainbow logos spiked just prior to 1980 when the logo was designed for Apple computer.

Children were mastering the Rubik’s Cube and by 1980, the video game Space Invaders had invaded arcades. Americans were watching Three’s Company, Dallas, and MASH. Stop into the museum to try out our very own Space Invaders arcade game and/or try your luck below.

Prior to the opening ceremonies, American Gigolo opened at the box office and Blondie’s catchy tune “Call Me” was released.

As the world descended on Lake Placid, Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You” topped the charts and the logo was everywhere.

Every Olympic Games must come to an end, but what happens when it is over? A logo remains and if the overall design of it was successful, the host country has acquired a visual identity that is connected to a memorable Olympic experience.

When Lake Placid hosted the 1980 Olympics, companies in nearly all imaginable product areas were offered the opportunity to become officially associated with the Games and were granted the right to use the official logo.

From spoons to hats, posters to cameras, the merchandise produced for the Games allowed fans a chance to take home an affordable souvenir. They could remember the event in their own way.