The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums in Greece and hosts the archaeological findings from the archaeological site of Olympia, which was dedicated to Zeus, father of gods and humans, and was the cradle of the Olympic Games.
The museum’s exhibition spans twelve rooms and presents the long history of the sanctuary of Olympia from prehistoric times to the early Christian era. The exhibits include sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, mosaics and other objects.
The sculptures are the most important part of the museum’s collection. Among them stands out the Zeus of Phidias, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, found next to the altar of Zeus in the sanctuary of Olympia. Other important sculptures include Nicodemus, Niki of Paion, Miltiades and Polycrates.
The bronze objects are the second largest collection in the museum. They are particularly important for archaeological research, as they provide important information about the daily life, culture and religion of the ancient Greeks. The Kouroi of Olympia, the Acropolis of Susa and the Unicorn stand out among them.
Ceramics are also very important for archaeological research. They were used for everyday life, but also for religious purposes. Among them stand out Persian amphora, Cycladic amphora and Bronze ceramics.
The mosaics form a relatively small collection in the museum, but they are particularly important for the art of ancient Greece. The Mosaic of Skyros, depicting the myth of Skyros, stands out among them.
The museum is in a beautiful location, close to the archaeological site of Olympia. The museum building is neoclassical and was constructed in 1885. The museum has been recently renovated and offers visitors a modern and attractive experience.