Athens Olympic Museum

About the museum

The idea for the Athens Olympic Museum was born around 2004. The design and construction were undertaken by Lamda Development, and the museum operates under the auspices of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee and is a member of the International Network of Olympic Museums. It is located in the Golden Hall shopping centre and is connected by a footbridge to the Athens Olympic Sports Complex “Spyros Louis”.

The exhibits were documented in cooperation with more than 40 national and international cultural bodies. Greek Olympic and Paralympic champions donated medals and equipment, while donors also include members of the Olympic family, private collectors, the coin collection of Alpha Bank and the Philatelic Directorate of ELTA.

The permanent exhibition follows the history of the Games chronologically, with three stages for Greece: the Birth in Ancient Olympia, the Revival in Athens in 1896 and the Return to Greece in 2004. Other sections concern the principles of the Olympic Movement, the Paralympic Games and the concept of “contest” in all areas of life.

Highlights

• The kotinos, the wild olive wreath of the Olympic champions
• The desk of Dimitrios Vikelas, moved from his house in Athens
• Bronze discus with inscriptions from 241 AD
• Medals and equipment of Greek Olympic champions
• Section on the Paralympic Games
• Interactive applications and augmented reality applications

Permanent exhibition

• Μόνιμη έκθεση του Ολυμπιακού Μουσείου Αθήνας – The history of the Olympic Games from ancient Olympia to Athens in 2004, with sections on Olympism and the Paralympic Games, relics and interactive media.

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 23 June (International Olympic Day)

Online, prices are lower: €8.60 general, €24.70 family and €6.70 reduced and child. Free admission is granted to men liable for military service, ICOM members, licensed guides, accompanying teachers on school visits, journalists, unemployed Greek citizens, as well as Olympic and Paralympic champions and coaches.

Accessibility

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

All facilities are accessible. The entrance has ramps for wheelchairs and strollers, and a lift serves all levels. The free audio guide “Akouse tin istoria mas” (“Listen to our story”) is aimed at visitors with partial or total loss of sight.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

On level 1 there is a baby-care room. A family ticket is offered, and the museum organises activities for children and families, often by reservation.

Getting there & parking

The Golden Hall is connected by a footbridge to the OAKA “Spyros Louis”. From the centre of Athens the journey by car takes about 15 minutes.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free wireless network in all areas of the museum and free lockers on level 0.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

The 2004 Hall, the 1896 Hall, the 1896 Foyer, the Lounge and the Panathinaiko Stadium Hall are available for meetings, presentations and events.

Plan your visit