Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of antiquity
About This Museum
You might not know that the very torch for every modern Olympic Games is still lit just a stone's throw from this museum, in the ancient stadium. This wonderful little museum doesn't just tell the story of the games; it feels like you're walking through the athlete's tunnel yourself. You'll find everything from well-worn halteres, the jumping weights used by ancient athletes, to stunningly detailed statues of victorious champions being crowned with olive wreaths. It’s a deeply personal and tangible connection to the competitors who gathered here over two millennia ago.
Collection Highlights
Look for the massive bronze shield, dented and scarred from combat, awarded to a winner in the hoplitodromos race. The collection of intricately carved stone discuses and a gorgeous bronze figure of a runner adjusting his sandal are absolute standouts.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on Praxiteli Kondyli street in Ancient Olympia—easy to find once you're in the archaeological site's vicinity. After you've explored the ruins of the temples and stadium, this is the perfect place to put it all into vivid context.
Architecture & Building
The building itself is a graceful, low-slung modern structure built with local stone, designed to blend humbly into the sacred landscape of cypress trees and ancient ruins around it.
Contact & Location
Address: 4, Πραξιτέλη Κονδύλη, Μαμουσέϊκα, Αρχαία Ολυμπία, Δημοτική Ενότητα Αρχαίας Ολυμπίας, Δήμος Αρχαίας Ολυμπίας, Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ηλείας, Περιφέρεια Δυτικής Ελλάδας, Αποκεντρωμένη Διοίκηση Πελοποννήσου, Δυτικής Ελλάδας και Ιονίου, 270 65, Ελλάς
Phone: +30 2624 029119
Website: Visit Website
