Hyundai opens FIFA Museum exhibition at Rockefeller Center
Hyundai Motor Company and the FIFA Museum launched the 'Legacies of Champions' exhibition at Rockefeller Center in New York City on June 8, 2026. Running from June 11 to July 19, the free event features historic artifacts, interactive storytelling, and robotics exhibits, including Boston Dynamics' Spot and Atlas. Hyundai Motor Company, the exclusive presenting partner, highlights its 27-year partnership with FIFA and its 'Next Starts Now' campaign through immersive fan experiences.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Hyundai Motor Company and the FIFA Museum opened the FIFA Museum Presented by Hyundai at Rockefeller Center in New York City on June 8, 2026. Under the theme "Legacies of Champions," the exhibition celebrates nearly a century of FIFA World Cup history and Hyundai Motor Company's 27-year partnership with FIFA. The event features immersive fan experiences, robotics-powered exhibits, and historic artifacts, running from June 11 to July 19.
The opening ceremony was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, and Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. The program included official remarks, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and a trophy unveiling, highlighting a defining moment in FIFA World Cup history.
Exhibition Highlights
The FIFA Museum Presented by Hyundai offers a free experience that connects football heritage with future innovation. Key features include:
- Iconic artifacts and jerseys from FIFA archives spanning from the 1930 inaugural tournament to the present day.
- Interactive storytelling illustrating how each FIFA World Cup has shaped global sport.
- Curated displays highlighting champions across decades and the cultural significance of the tournament.
- Robotics-driven reinterpretation of iconic FIFA World Cup moments through interactive exhibits.
Hyundai Motor's Vision and Campaigns
As the FIFA Museum's exclusive presenting partner for exhibitions in host countries, Hyundai Motor Company is creating experiences that connect football heritage with innovation. The exhibition features Hyundai Motor's global fan campaign, "Be There With Hyundai," which celebrates the next generation of football supporters. The display includes drawings by children aged 5-12 from around the world, with 48 selected artworks appearing on official National Team Buses during the tournament.
Visitor Experience and Logistics
Visitors can explore indoor and outdoor spaces across Rockefeller Center. The indoor exhibition is located on the 9th Floor of Radio Park and operates daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours until 11:00 PM on selected dates in July. The outdoor Interactive Football Pitch at the North Plaza is open from July 6 to July 19, operating from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
| Experience | Location | Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Exhibition | 9th Floor, Radio Park | June 11–July 19 | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily |
| Outdoor Pitch | North Plaza | July 6–July 19 | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily |
The outdoor pitch features a stadium-inspired interactive experience where fans test their knowledge by shooting a ball to answer trivia. Successful participants receive a celebratory balloon powered by an air pump connected via Hyundai IONIQ 9's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. The space also includes a cooling system powered by the same V2L technology.
Robotics Integration
Boston Dynamics' Spot and Atlas robots bring Hyundai Motor Group's robotics innovation to life. Spot engages fans throughout the venue, appearing at the opening ceremony, outdoor activations, and fan participation events from June 11 to July 4. Visitors can receive a FIFA Museum photocard and join a social media scavenger hunt for rewards. Atlas serves as a wayfinding guide in the Center Plaza and is on display in the FIFA Museum's first-floor lobby holding a FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Match Ball.
How will the integration of robotics and V2L technology at this exhibition influence Hyundai's future experiential marketing strategies for other global sporting events?
What metrics will Hyundai and FIFA use to evaluate the success of the 'Be There With Hyundai' campaign and its impact on brand loyalty among the next generation of fans?
Could the successful deployment of Boston Dynamics robots for fan engagement lead to permanent robotic installations at future FIFA World Cup host stadiums?
























