The Japanese capital will see the opening last until late September, showcasing the 60-year history of the Paralympics and allowing visitors to see the evolution of the event from humble beginnings.

There are 200 days to go until the start of the Paralympics on August 25.

Housed at Coredo Muromachi Terrace in Nihonbashi in the city, there will be exhibitions dedicated to multiple para-sports, including from the first Paralympics in 1960, showing those who helped inspire and transform society for disabled people around the world. 

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: "As the Paralympic Games continue to grow in size and scale, it is vital that we chart the history of just how far the Paralympic Movement has come in a relatively short space of time.

“The Paralympic Museum will inform and excite visitors with stories and exhibitions of how the Movement has evolved from an event for 16 injured war veterans in 1948 to the world’s third-biggest sporting event in 2020. 

"It is a remarkable history of how one man’s vision has helped transform global society, empowering and enriching the lives of millions of people around the world.

“We are confident the museum will be a must-see attraction this August and September in Tokyo, generating greater enthusiasm, excitement and interest in the Paralympic Games and Paralympic Movement.”

The Paralympic Movement was founded in 1948 by German neurologist  Sir Ludwig Guttmann at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Britain as a way to rehabilitate injured World War II veterans.

The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in Italy, with more than 400 athletes from 23 countries participating.

Tokyo will be the first city to host the Paralympics twice, with around 4,300 athletes from 165 countries set to compete.