Museum of the History of the Olympic Games

Over 400 exhibits are presented in thematic groups dating back from the second millenium BCE to the 5th century A.D. in the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games. While most of the exhibitions were discovered in Olympia, some ancient works of art from other important sites of Greece.

Through the wide selection of exhibits, the information panels, and the visual material, visitors will understand the Olympic Games and other Panhellenic festivals, such as the:

• Pythian at Delphi,
• Nemean at the Sanctuary of Zeus
• Isthmian Games at the Sanctuary of Poseidon near Corinth.

Exhibits in the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games 

The gold rings – seals with the first representations of athletic competitions, Minoan and Mycenaean art examples, bronze and clay figurines of warriors and chariots from Olympia are among the most important exhibits in the Museum.

Other essential exhibits include various equipment used by athletes, such as discs, “halterai” (weights for long jump), “aryballos” (small oil vase) strigils (special tools for scraping off dirt and sweat from the skin), etc.

The exhibitions in the galleries display numerous small bronze figurines of athletes, as well as vases and vessels decorated with scenes of different athletic performances. Also, there are several inscribed bases of statues of athletes who adorned the sacred Altis during antiquity – providing an inexhaustible source of valuable information.

The Museum’s basement offers a “digital exhibition” that uses a wide variety of high-tech devices and computer systems primarily available to schools and universities.

Its intent is to inform and educate students about the Olympic Games in antiquity through scientific multimedia content including photos, videos, texts, maps, an interactive 3D theater, and more!

*Advance booking of the visit is required.

*Please contact the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia’s administration authority of the Museum.