The Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity occupies the elegant neoclassical building, known as the Syngreion, that served as Olympia’s first museum in the late nineteenth century. Since 2004 it has told the story of ancient Greek athletics — not just at Olympia, but at the other great festivals too.
Its galleries cover the origins of the Games, the events (running, the pentathlon, wrestling, boxing, the brutal pankration and chariot racing), training, prizes — the olive wreath at Olympia — and the victors who became celebrities. It is the ideal visit after the stadium, and a welcome escape from the midday heat.
What to see at Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity
Follow the events, one by one
Each event has its own section, with vase paintings, jumping weights, discus and inscriptions — the best way to understand what you saw in the stadium.
Learn about the prizes and the truce
Discover the sacred truce that protected travellers to the Games, and why a simple wreath of wild olive was the most coveted prize in Greece.
How to get to Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity
- Location: on the hill above the road between the village and the site, a few minutes’ walk from the site entrance.
- Tickets: included in the combined ticket.
Insider tips
- Visit after the site and the main museum, or at midday when it is hottest.
- Next door, the small Museum of the History of the Excavations tells how the site was found — also included.
Best tours & tickets for Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Museum of the History of the Olympic Games in Antiquity with context:
Entry ticket from €26 Ancient Olympia: Archaeological Site and Museum Entry Ticket
A prebooked entry ticket to one of the most glorious sanctuaries of the ancient world, covering the archaeological site and museums. Useful on busy cruise days in high season when the ticket queue builds.
- Prebooked combined entry
- Archaeological site plus the museums
- Skip the ticket-office queue
Food & wine from €68 Ancient Olympia: Agrotourism Tour with Honey, Wine & Olive Oil Tastings
Combine the birthplace of the Olympic Games with the land that feeds it. A local guide takes you to a family honey farm, a winery and an olive-oil mill for tastings, with time at the ancient site and a relaxing stop on the coast.
- Visit a honey farm, a winery and an olive mill
- Tastings of local honey, wine and olive oil
- Guided visit to Olympia and time on the beach
