Houses the treasures of the Panhellenic sanctuary at Delphi including the Bronze Charioteer (478 BC), one of the best-preserved ancient Greek bronzes, the Sphinx of Naxos, and the extraordinary silver bull's head.
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi sits beside the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in Phokis, central Greece, on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. The French School at Athens began excavating the site in 1892, and the museum was built to house the finds. It has since been extended and renovated, and it holds finds from the sanctuary and the surrounding area, from the Mycenaean period to the Roman era. The collection is arranged chronologically and thematically across a series of rooms, and its layout follows the story of the sanctuary from its prehistoric roots to its decline.
The most famous exhibit is the Charioteer of Delphi, a bronze statue found in 1896 and dated to about 478-474 BC. It is part of a victory monument for a chariot race at the Pythian Games, with inlaid eyes of glass and stone, and it is displayed in its own gallery. Other major pieces include the Sphinx of the Naxians, a marble column-capital figure of about 560 BC set on a tall Ionic column, and the sculptures from the Siphnian Treasury, with a frieze showing the battle of gods and giants of about 525 BC. The twin Kouroi of Argos, known as Kleobis and Biton, are among the outstanding Archaic statues. The silver bull, a life-size figure made of silver sheet over a wooden core, and the chryselephantine (gold and ivory) fragments from the 6th century BC show the sanctuary's wealth. The Omphalos, the carved stone representing the navel of the world, is also exhibited.
The reliefs from the pediments of the Temple of Apollo, the metopes from the Athenian Treasury and an inscription called the Delphic Hymn to Apollo, with musical notation, add further depth. The museum's approach is chronological, with explanatory panels in Greek and English and cases that group objects by monument. A visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the museum is best seen in combination with the nearby site to connect the finds with their original places.
| Admission | €12 adults, combined with site |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8AM-8PM (winter 9AM-3PM) |
Highlights
- The Charioteer of Delphi, a bronze statue of about 478-474 BC
- The Sphinx of the Naxians on its tall Ionic column
- The frieze from the Siphnian Treasury
- The twin kouroi Kleobis and Biton from Argos
- The silver bull and the Omphalos stone
Tips for visiting
- Make for the Charioteer gallery first, before groups gather in the later rooms.
- See the museum before or after the ancient site to match finds with their original locations.
- Visit at opening time to avoid coach tours from Athens.
- Look for the Delphic Hymn to Apollo, one of the earliest examples of Greek musical notation.
- Check for combined tickets that include the archaeological site.
When to visit
Early morning is quietest, and the museum is a good indoor option in the midday heat or in rain.
Accessibility
The museum has ramps and step-free galleries, and is more accessible than the steep ancient site. Visitors with mobility needs should confirm arrangements locally.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full visit take?
About one to one and a half hours for the museum. A combined visit with the site takes half a day.
Is the museum English-language friendly?
Yes. Information panels are in Greek and English, and guides are available at the site.
Can children visit?
Yes. The Charioteer and the silver bull are popular with children, and the galleries are compact.
Is the museum close to the site?
Yes. It is next to the archaeological site, a short walk from the entrance.