The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the principal museums of Greece, located in Olympia. It is overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Sports, and, as of 2009, is directed by Georgia Xatzi. When the original building was completed and opened in 1882, it was the first museum in Greece outside of Athens.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important in Greece, presents the long-standing historical development of one of the most glorious sanctuaries of antiquity, which was dedicated to the father of gods and men, Zeus, and was the cradle of the Olympic Games. It includes the permanent exhibition of findings from the excavations in the sanctuary of Altea, which date from prehistoric to the first Christian years. Of all the invaluable exhibits, the most important is the exhibition of sculptures, for which the museum is mainly known, as well as the collection of bronze objects, which is the richest in the world and consists of weapons, figurines and other objects, while in particular The findings of the great pottery are also important.
The building complex of the Museum consists of exhibition, auxiliary and storage spaces. The exhibition space includes the vestibule and twelve rooms, all of which host the permanent exhibition of finds from the sacred Alti. The auxiliary-functional areas for the service of the visitors (refreshment room, sanitary areas, etc.) are located in the east wing of the Museum, while the shop operates in a separate building, between the museum and the archeological site. The Museum has storage spaces, which occupy part of the east wing and the basement, as well as workshops for the preservation of clay, bronze, stone objects, mosaics and small finds.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, supervised by the 7th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, is a living organization, which, especially after its renovation in 2004, on the occasion of the Athens Olympic Games, aspires to present to the visitor the long history of the sanctuary, according to new museological concepts.
Access
-In all spaces inside the Museum keep at least 2 metres away from other people
-Take notice of the special marking for queuing, wherever necessary
-Throughout your visit the use of non-medical mask is obligatory, covering the nose and mouth
- Please apply to your hands the alcohol disinfectant solution before entering the Museum.
-Obligatory movement along the indicated safe trails, specifically marked
For organized guided visits please keep carefully the following guidelines:
-It is obligatory to use a non-medical mask, covering the nose and mouth
- Maintain strictly safe distancing rules
- Use of wireless guiding, when available, for keeping the required distance from other people
-Obligatory movement along the indicated safe trails, specifically marked
Pets are not allowed inside the Museum. Guide and assistance dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities are welcome.
