Olympia is one of the most important archeological sites in Greece, so there’s no shortage of options for visiting. Day trips depart from Athens, Zakynthos, Costa Navarino, Nafplio, Katakolon Cruise Port and beyond, and typically include round-trip transfers and lunch. Most tours combine a visit to the UNESCO-listed complex with a trip to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Many multi-day tours of Greece make stops at Olympia and other important classical sites such as Delphi, Mycenae, and Epidaurus.
As one of the most important history museums in Greece, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a must for travelers with an interest in the classical world.
There is a gift shop, café, and restrooms at the museum.
The museum features English signage.
The ground floors of the museum are accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.
The museum is situated just north of the Ancient Olympia archaeological site. Rail services run between Katakolon and Olympia train station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the museum.
The museum opens daily, but closes in mid-afternoon from November to March. The museum is typically less busy than the archaeological site, though it still draws crowds, especially during peak season (June-September). Get there close to morning opening or later in the day to avoid peak crowds.
The Archaeological Museum of Olympia’s astounding collection includes a wide range of ancient objects, from cauldrons and bowls to statues depicting Zeus, Ganymede, and other figures from Greek mythology. There’s also frieze-adorned fragments of buildings, including a pediment from the Temple of Zeus. Among the most famous items displayed here is the marble statueHermes and the Infant Dionysus, which is attributed to the renowned classical sculptor Praxiteles.