Museum

The finds that were brought to light during the excavations are exhibited in the archaeological museum of Olympia.

The two pediments of the temple of Zeus are from the most brilliant samples of the ancient greek sculpture and mainly from the age of its prosperity. The eastern pediment represent the preparation of the mythical chariot race between Pelops and Oenomaos, king of the mythical Pisa, whereas in the western pediment is represented the favourite subject of the wrestling between the Centaurs and the Lapiths with the excellent figure of Apollo in the centre. The frontages of the temple represent the 12 labours of Heracles.

The statue of the Winged Victory of Paeonion, as she is coming down from the sky, is from the most important sculptures of the classic years, and it was a votive offering of the Messinion and Nafpactiaion in 421 BC.

Other exhibits of the museum are: the earthen cluster of Zeus and Ganymedes, the giant head that is attributed to the worshiped statue of Hera and at last, the famous statue of Hermes, with the new-born Dionysus, original work of Praxiteles, which is exhibited in a private hall of the museum.

Among the objects, which had been offered to Zeus from the city-states in token of gratitude for their victories, are the copper votive offerings: tripod boilers, panoplies, helmets, shields and vessels.