Archaeological Museum of Elis

About the museum

The Archaeological Museum of Ilida was designed by the architect Anastasios Birris and built in 2002–2004 on the south-eastern edge of the ancient city, on the slopes of the acropolis hill. Its form blends into the natural landscape. It houses the finds from the systematic excavations of ancient Ilida, as well as finds from chance discoveries, transfers and rescue excavations in and around the site.

The finds from the earlier excavations by the Austrians (1910–1914) were kept in a storehouse in neighbouring Bouchiotis until 1960, when more systematic excavations began. During the rescue excavations of 1965–1970 for the water pipeline of the Peneios dam, some of the finds, mainly metal objects, were taken to the Olympia museum for conservation.

The exhibition extends over four rooms and a corridor. In a partly colonnaded inner courtyard, sculptures and the mosaic floor of the 3rd century AD with the Labours of Heracles and the symbols of the Muses are displayed. The marble statue of Hermes stands out; it recalls Praxiteles’ Hermes at Olympia. Elis was regarded as sacred land under the protection of Zeus, who was worshipped at the sanctuary of Olympia.

Highlights

• Mosaic floor of the 3rd century AD with the Labours of Heracles and the symbols of the Muses
• Marble statue of Hermes
• Finds from the ancient city of Ilida
• Modern building by Anastasios Birris on the slopes of the acropolis

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Αρχαιολογικού Μουσείου Ήλιδας – Finds from ancient Ilida and the wider region, including sculptures and the mosaic floor with the Labours of Heracles.

Operated by

Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού – Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Ηλείας

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and the first and third Sunday of every month from 1 November to 31 March.

Admission to the archaeological site of Ilida is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There are lifts, a designated parking space and toilets. Pets are not allowed inside, except guide dogs for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car, the museum is about 15 minutes from the Patras–Pyrgos national road (Gastouni interchange) and 15 minutes from Amaliada.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The museum has a café and a shop selling postcards and a guide to the archaeological site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.