With its priceless exhibits, the new Archaeological Museum of Olympia was designed by architect Patroklos Karatinos and built between 1966-1975. It displays the long historical evolution of the sanctuary of Zeus, through important finds presented in modern museological approaches.
The museum’s permanent exhibition is housed in a space with a vestibule and twelve halls, chronologically and thematically structured, and includes items brought to light by excavations, dating back from prehistoric times to the early Christian years.
Among the most prominent exhibits are the famous Mercury of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios, the clay cape of Heraion and the sculptural decoration of the temple of Zeus. The exhibition of sculptures, which gives the museum its fame, the collection of bronze objects, one of the richest in the world, consisting of weapons, figurines and other objects, but also the special creations of the great pottery, are also prominent.
The Museum’s building complex features additional auxiliary and storage areas, as well as workshops for the preservation of the items, mosaics and small finds.
