“Magic Box” – Candidature Box

A few months before the Olympic nominations, cities wishing to host the Olympic games must submit a final report of their bid to the International Olympic Committee. This report is known by the name of its candidature dossier, which marks the formal commitment of cities offering to act as Olympic hosts.

The candidature dossier for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games was presented in a wooden box designed by André Ricard. Inside was a dark grey filing system with drawers. Every drawer contained a printed index of its contents, as each one held different documentation related to the organisation of the Olympic Games.

This object, shaped like a chest, used a sliding brass plaque to close.

Barcelona’s originality in presenting its dossier was praised by all media outlets, who soon dubbed it the “Magic Box”.

Location Barcelona'92
Property of Barcelona Olympic Foundation