Archaeological Museum of Olympia

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, founded in the 19th century, originally housed finds from the excavations of the Sanctuary of Zeus. A new building opened in 1975 after the original could no longer accommodate the growing wealth of artifacts. Its twelve halls span 3,500 years, from the first human settlement in 3000 BCE to the sanctuary’s twilight in the 7th century AD. The museum underwent significant renovations in 2004 for the Athens Olympic Games. Among its treasures is a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. The museum stands alongside the archaeological site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Olympic Games were held every four years beginning in 776 BCE. The site includes the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, and the remains of all sports structures erected for the games.