13 Best Museums in Vilnius You Shouldn’t Miss
Vilnius is an excellent destination for a cultural city break, and its museums are just among the great attractions you can find here. While not as large as other European capitals, Vilnius has a great selection of museums to explore. Whether you’re into history, modern art, or Lithuania’s history, Vilnius museums offer a wide selection of options.
I try to see at least one new place every time I visit, and there are quite a few to choose from. Many of the museums in Vilnius are dedicated to art and Lithuania’s history. If you don’t know much about Lithuania, you can learn more about this fascinating country by visiting any cultural museums. To make it easier, I’ve put together a list of must-see museums in Vilnius for your city break.
Exploring museums in Vilnius
There are many different museums in Vilnius, although some, like the Amber Museum, are temporarily closed. I tried to include museums that would appeal to both art lovers and history buffs who want to immerse themselves in Lithuania’s historical heritage. Here are my picks for museums in Vilnius to add to your itinerary.
PRO TIP: All museums in Vilnius offer free entry on the last Sunday of the month.
Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is an impressive white palace at the edge of Vilnius Old Town behind the Vilnius Cathedral. This was one of the first museums in Vilnius I explored on my first visit. The current palace, a 21st-century reconstruction of a 19th-century version, sits on the ruins of the original castle. You can explore the medieval foundations and excavations under the palace.
If you want to learn about the history of Lithuania, this is a great place to start. There are many displays that take you through the country’s history and key figures. You can explore the permanent exhibition displays with historical artifacts and visit the grand royal chambers to get a sense of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s fascinating history. Wander through rooms filled with treasures and learn about the daily life of royalty and significant moments in Lithuania’s past.
Gediminas Castle Tower
Gediminas Castle Tower is an iconic red-brick, three-story tower from the 15th century. You can’t miss it as it sits on top of the Gediminas Hill overlooking Vilnius. The tower is the only remaining defensive tower that once protected the Vilnius Upper Castle. The tower was turned into a military citadel during the Russian occupation, and a few modifications were made to the building.
Today, you can enjoy panoramic views of Vilnius from the top. There is a funicular that takes you up, or you can hike the hill instead. Inside are exhibits detailing the fascinating history of Vilnius, including medieval fortifications, historic battles and important events that shaped the city. It’s a perfect place for anyone wanting to learn more about how Vilnius grew from a small settlement into a vibrant capital.
Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
This museum (formerly known as the KGB Museum) is housed in the former KGB headquarters. If you want to learn more about Lithuania during the Nazi and Soviet occupation, then this is the museum for you. In the basement, you’ll find torture rooms and execution chambers where prisoners were tortured and killed.
There are interactive exhibits where you can learn about personal stories that bring the painful history alive while honouring the courage and resilience of the Lithuanian people. It’s a deeply profound experience that teaches the importance of freedom and human rights.
MO Museum (Museum of Modern Art)
The MO Museum, also known as the Museum of Modern Art, is dedicated to Lithuanian contemporary art. The architect Daniel Libeskind designed the museum building, which opened in 2018. It features over 5,000 works by Lithuanian artists from the 1960s to the present day.
The museum regularly hosts educational programs and rotating exhibits featuring both established and emerging artists. Whether you’re a dedicated art lover or visiting a modern art museum for the first time, MO Museum promises an engaging and enjoyable experience in the heart of Vilnius.
Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania
The Money Museum is one of the most unique museums in Vilnius. Here, you can explore the fascinating history of currency and economics in Lithuania and around the world. You can also learn about the Lithuanian currency and its transition to the Euro.
Explore the interactive exhibits where you can learn about the history of money, including coins, banknotes and other forms of currency used in the past. It’s a fun and educational way to learn how money shapes societies and economies in a fun and interactive way.
Energy and Technology Museum
Located inside a former power plant, the Energy and Technology Museum is perfect for families, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how technology shapes our world. It features hands-on exhibits covering Lithuania’s technological advancements and the history of energy production.
There are many engaging displays, including vintage machinery and interactive games that illustrate scientific concepts. It’s a fun, educational experience that promises to spark curiosity and inspire a greater appreciation for science and innovation in everyday life. Don’t miss the rooftop patio to top off your visit.
National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery of Art is home to an extensive collection of modern and contemporary Lithuanian art. It features paintings, graphics, sculptures, photography, video art and numerous installations by Lithuanian artists from the 20th century till now.
The spacious galleries make this a pleasant and relaxing museum to wander through, whether you’re deeply knowledgeable about art or simply appreciate seeing beautiful and thought-provoking works. It’s a Vilnius museum that’s worth visiting.
Vilnius Picture Gallery
Conveniently located in Vilnius Old Town, the Vilnius Picture Gallery was among the city’s first public museums dedicated to Lithuanian fine art. Here, the permanent collection features remarkable paintings and sculptures by Lithuanian artists spanning several centuries.
The gallery offers a welcoming atmosphere and well-curated exhibitions that highlight Lithuania’s artistic heritage. It’s an ideal spot for art lovers eager to explore local talent and discover unique stories behind each masterpiece displayed.
Lithuanian National Museum of Art
Housed in the historic building, the Lithuanian National Museum of Art offers extensive exhibits that cover Lithuanian history from prehistoric times to the modern era. You can explore impressive archaeological artifacts, traditional crafts, historical documents, and culturally significant items from Lithuania’s past.
The museum provides an excellent overview of the country’s rich history and cultural development. It’s a perfect stop for history enthusiasts and curious travellers who want a deep dive into Lithuania’s heritage.
Museum of Applied Arts and Design
The Museum of Applied Arts and Design features Lithuania’s rich traditions in craftsmanship. Located in a historic building from the 16th century, it features impressive textiles, tapestries, ceramics, jewellery, costumes and furniture collections.
The museum hosts interactive workshops while also hosting regular temporary exhibits. If you’re interested in art, design, or history, this is the Vilnius museum for you.
Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum
The Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum celebrates one of Lithuania’s most beloved modern artists, Vytautas Kasiulis. The permanent exhibition features Kasiulis’s bright, expressive, and colourful works, beautifully capturing various scenes and emotions.
Additionally, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibits that spotlight contemporary Lithuanian and international artists. This museum’s intimate, welcoming atmosphere provides a delightful experience, perfect for visitors who appreciate modern art and wish to explore Lithuanian artistic heritage in greater depth.
Lithuanian Railway Museum
Perfect for those fascinated by trains and transportation history, the Lithuanian Railway Museum offers an engaging exploration of Lithuania’s railway heritage. The museum houses a fascinating collection of historic locomotives, vintage railway equipment, and interactive exhibits that showcase the technological developments in railway systems.
The museum offers educational programs and hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages who want to learn more about the importance of railways in Lithuania’s growth and development. It’s a fun and informative outing for families and transport enthusiasts alike.
Toy Museum
The Toy Museum is one of the most fun museums in Vilnius for children and adults alike. It houses a wonderful collection of toys from various eras, making it a journey back in time. Here, you can learn about the cultural and historical evolution of playthings in Lithuania and beyond.
Interactive exhibits and creative workshops offer an opportunity to engage directly with toys, games, and playful activities, making the museum experience lively and enjoyable. The Toy Museum provides a nostalgic journey through childhood for adults and an educational, imaginative adventure for young visitors.
Final thoughts on museums in Vilnius
As you can see, there are many great museums in Vilnius. Whether you’re interested in the history of money or Lithuania’s fight for independence during the Soviet times, there is a museum for you. Museums are always the best way to learn local history, and the ones in Vilnius don’t disappoint.
So, if you’re coming to Vilnius, make sure to add a museum or a few to your itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, the museums in Vilnius offer free entrance on the last Sunday of the month. It’s a great way to explore a few museums, but keep in mind that they might be busier on those days. Vilnius is not a huge city, so you can fit a few of them in a day if you really want to. I think you’ll love the museum offerings in Vilnius, as I definitely did.
