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Museum · Olímpia, Grécia Ocidental
Museu de Arquimedes
Private museum in the centre of the village with working reconstructions of inventions by Archimedes and other ancient Greek engineers: the Antikythera mechanism, the water clock, the Archimedes screw, pumps and automata, with explanations in English.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Museu de Arquimedes
The Museu de Arquimedes occupies a two-storey building on the main street of Archaia Olympia and grew out of the work of engineer Kostas Kotsanas, who for decades has reconstructed machines described by ancient authors. The focus here is Archimedes of Syracuse, the 3rd-century BC mathematician and inventor, and the engineering of his time.
The items are full-size reconstructions, many of them working, made from the texts of Vitruvius, Hero and others: Archimedes' screw to raise water, the automatic water clock, Ctesibius' piston pump, the hydraulis (a water-driven organ), Dionysius' repeating catapult and the so-called theatre of Philo, an automaton that staged a short scene. There is also a reconstruction of the Antikythera mechanism, the geared astronomical calculator found in a shipwreck.
Each piece is accompanied by drawings, texts in Greek and English, and videos showing how it works, making the museum suitable for families and for those interested in science. The visit is short and pairs well with the two public museums and an evening in the village.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the late afternoon, after the site, or during the hottest hours, because the museum has air conditioning. It's open year-round, with longer hours from April to October; check before you go.
How to get there
It's on Praxitelous Kondyli street, the main street of the village of Archaia Olympia, a 15-minute walk from the archaeological site. There is parking in the village.
Tip
Admission operates on a voluntary contribution basis; bring cash. Ask to see the hydraulic clock in operation. With children, this is often the favorite museum of the day.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museu de Arquimedes
Is the Museu de Arquimedes public?
No. It is a private museum, of engineer Kostas Kotsanas, with admission by voluntary contribution. It is not included in the ticket to the archaeological site.
en: What is the mechanism of Anticítera?
An astronomical calculating machine of bronze gears from the 2nd century BC, found in a shipwreck near the island of Anticítera. The original is in Athens; the museum shows a reconstruction that explains how it predicted positions of the Sun, the Moon and eclipses.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The machines are full-size reconstructions, several in operation, with videos and simple explanations in English.