The Exhibition, which opened on April 1, was organised by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) and follows previous events held in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

It features around 300 items that tell the story of the Games of the modern era, including original medals, torches, mascots and uniforms.

The opening was attended by numerous Olympic medallists, including Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 volleyball runner-up Adriana Behar, who was master of ceremonies, Beijing 2008 Olympic long-jump champion Maurren Maggi and London 2012 under 48kg judo champion Sarah Menezes.

Maurren Maggi and Sarah Menezes alongside Rio 2016 head Carlos Nuzman and Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo at the opening ©COB



Also present was the national women's rugby team, which is hoping to cause a stir on home turf when the sport make its debut on the Olympic programme at Rio 2016.

These athletes were joined by Rio 2016 and COB President Carlos Nuzman as well as Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo. 

It will also be hoped that the success of the event will inspire more interest in the Olympics, amid concerns over the level of interest across the country with little more than two years until the Games begin. 

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