Space structures are always preferred for Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums due to their great variety of forms, efficient mechanical behavior and the ability to cover large spans. The construction of 2008 Beijing Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums provides an enormous stage for space structures. It is advisable and useful for the further development of space structures to summarize the advanced design concepts, innovative structural forms as well as the new materials and techniques used in these stadiums and gymnasiums. A brief introduction to the 2008 Beijing Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums is presented first, then some representative Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums are discussed with respect to their novel architectural appearance, advanced structural forms and innovative techniques applied in design, construction and monitoring. By reviewing a number of classical Olympic stadiums and gymnasiums, their common characteristics are summarized as:perfect combination of novel architectural appearance, innovative structural form and satisfactory service performance;in accordance with the development of construction techniques, and hence promoting the progress of technology. Compared to the outstanding classical Olympic buildings, it is believed that some representative stadiums and gymnasiums of the 2008 Olympic Games do have the qualities to be recognized as the new members of this glorious list.