Beijing National Stadium

Beijing National Stadium is a multipurpose sports venue in Beijing, China, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Its exposed steel lattice exterior earned it the nickname “Bird’s Nest.”

Herzog & de Meuron: Herzog & de Meuron is a Swiss architecture firm founded by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. The firm designed the stadium with artist Ai Weiwei and the China Architecture Design & Research Group.
2008 Summer Olympics: The 2008 Summer Olympics were an international multisport event held in Beijing from August 8 to 24, 2008. The stadium was the Games’ principal venue for athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics: Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics comprised track-and-field events held in Beijing from August 15 to 24, 2008. The stadium hosted the Games’ track-and-field competitions.
Beijing National Aquatics Center: Beijing National Aquatics Center is the Olympic swimming venue known as the Water Cube, built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Its lightweight, bubble-like exterior contrasts with the stadium’s heavy-looking steel lattice.
Ai Weiwei: Ai Weiwei is a Chinese artist and activist whose work spans sculpture, installation, film, and architecture. He contributed to the stadium’s design as an artistic consultant.
Beijing Olympic Green: Beijing Olympic Green is a park and sports complex in northern Beijing built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. The stadium anchors the Olympic Green’s cluster of major venues.
Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics: Football at the 2008 Summer Olympics was the men’s and women’s association football tournament held across China. The stadium hosted the men’s football final.
Beijing National Indoor Stadium: Beijing National Indoor Stadium is an indoor sports arena built for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. It served indoor events while the National Stadium handled ceremonies and outdoor competitions.
China Architecture Design & Research Group: China Architecture Design & Research Group is a Chinese architectural design and engineering firm. The firm collaborated with Herzog & de Meuron on the stadium’s design and local development.
2002 Beijing National Stadium design competition: The 2002 Beijing National Stadium design competition selected a proposal by Herzog & de Meuron, Ai Weiwei, and local collaborators. Its winning proposal established the woven steel concept that defines the building.

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BeijingBroader topic: The Olympic venue represents Beijing’s public presentation as a modern global city.