🖼️Museums

Lukiškių kalėjimas 2.0 offers a one-of-a-kind experience, repurposing a century-old prison complex into a bustling center for arts, music, and history. Operational until as recently as 2019, the site now hosts bars, concerts, and events, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between its past and its lively present. The main draw is the guided tours, which visitors overwhelmingly praise. Engaging guides bring the prison's history to life with humor and compelling stories. You can choose a historical day tour suitable for all ages or an intense, spooky night tour exclusively for adults, making it a must-see Vilnius attraction.

Experience unparalleled views from the highest point in Vilnius Old Town. The St. Johns' Church Bell Tower offers a breathtaking panorama, made accessible by a modern elevator that covers most of the ascent. Be prepared for a final, short climb up steep, historic wooden stairs to reach the open-air viewing platform. Part of the Vilnius University Museum, the tower is more than just a viewpoint. On a lower floor, you can see a Foucault pendulum demonstrating the Earth's rotation. It's often considered less crowded than other popular city viewpoints, offering a more serene experience.

Located within the Presidential Palace, this modern museum offers an innovative approach to Lithuanian history and civics. Visitors use tablets with augmented reality to explore highly interactive exhibits, making it an engaging experience for both adults and children. The center is praised for its friendly staff and free admission. Beyond the permanent displays on statehood and culture, the venue hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, such as one marking Lithuania's NATO membership, alongside hands-on cultural workshops like traditional straw garden weaving. Remember that while weekends are open for walk-ins, weekday visits require advance registration.

This reconstructed palace offers a comprehensive journey through Lithuanian history, from the Gothic to Baroque periods. Praised as a modern and well-organized museum, it allows visitors to explore via four distinct routes, covering everything from archaeology and architecture to weaponry and daily life. Plan for a long visit—many recommend 3-4 hours to see everything. While most are impressed by the extensive collections, some visitors note strict rules about bags and coats. The palace also serves as a vibrant cultural venue, hosting concerts and the renowned 'Banchetto musicale' early music festival.

A beloved destination for all ages, the Toy Museum offers a truly hands-on experience where visitors are encouraged to play. Adults enjoy a nostalgic trip back to their childhoods with Soviet-era games and arcade machines, while kids can freely explore the engaging exhibits. Based on archaeological research, the museum showcases the history of toys from ancient times to the 20th century. While the space is small and can get crowded, visitors consistently praise the unique, playable exhibits and the friendly, welcoming staff who enhance the overwhelmingly positive experience.

Gediminas Castle Tower is a quintessential Vilnius landmark, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Old Town and modern city skyline. Visitors can ascend the hill via a steep cobblestone path or a funicular, with the observation deck being a highly recommended spot for watching the sunset. Inside, the tower houses a small museum—part of the Lithuanian National Museum—with exhibits on the city's history, including a notable installation on the Baltic Way. While some visitors find the €8 tower entrance fee overpriced for the sparse exhibits, many agree the panoramic views from the free-to-access hilltop are nearly as impressive.

Visitors are delighted by this interactive museum, a mind-bending experience for all ages located in the heart of Vilnius. The exceptionally friendly and multilingual staff are a highlight, eagerly explaining the science behind the illusions and helping you capture the perfect quirky photo. While some find it compact for the price, the 600 m² space is packed with engaging, hands-on exhibits blending physics, optics, and art. From drawing with light to an upside-down room, it's a highly recommended stop for a fun-filled hour of unique entertainment.

Housed in a beautiful historic church, the Church Heritage Museum offers a spectacular experience across three distinct sites: the Cathedral Treasury, Bell Tower, and Crypts. Visitors discover an extensive collection of sacred art and treasures, with some artifacts dating back to the 14th century. The museum provides programming for all ages, including educational activities for children. While the rich history captivates guests, it's the exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging guides who truly elevate the visit. For those who prefer to explore independently, a free multi-language audio guide is available via your phone. Many visitors recommend hiring a guide to fully appreciate the context of the exhibits.

Step into the world of Lithuanian artist and composer M.K. Čiurlionis at this small memorial museum located in his former Old Town home. The space, now run by his great-grandson, is celebrated for its intimate, cozy, and home-like atmosphere, offering a unique and personal cultural experience. While the art on display consists of reproductions, the main draw is the magical feeling of the space, which frequently hosts high-quality classical music concerts and cultural events. Visitors also highly recommend the immersive Virtual Reality (VR) film, providing a modern way to connect with the artist's work.

Bastion Hill is a beloved vantage point offering spectacular panoramic views of Vilnius's Old Town and Užupis. Visitors praise the beautifully maintained park atmosphere, which is perfect for relaxing walks, picnics on the grass, and watching the sunset. Beyond the scenery, the site features an interesting historical museum and remnants of the original city wall for history buffs to explore. For the best photo opportunities, consider visiting at sunset. Be aware that during summer, leafy trees can partially obstruct some of the otherwise clear views.

Housed in the former KGB headquarters, this state-run museum offers a vital, if harrowing, lesson in Lithuania's 20th-century history. Exhibits detail the Soviet and Nazi occupations and the local resistance movements, providing a deep understanding of the nation's past. Admission is free for all visitors. The experience is powerful and emotionally intense, particularly in the basement. Here, visitors can walk through the authentic and chilling former KGB prison, with its preserved cells, torture rooms, and execution chamber left largely untouched. While text-heavy, it's considered an essential stop for anyone interested in Baltic history.

Visitors are captivated by the Church of Michael the Archangel, a beautiful historic building that now houses the Church Heritage Museum's Treasury. Its unique architecture is a celebrated blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, offering a visually stunning backdrop for the treasures within. The museum is one of three distinct sites, alongside the Cathedral Bell Tower and Crypts. Inside, discover fascinating exhibits of sacred art, including the historic Vilnius Cathedral Treasury and Lithuania's largest collection of liturgical textiles. Reviewers note that this is a museum with an admission fee, not an active church, but find the collection and informative guided tours well worth the visit.

Housed in Vilnius's first public power plant, this museum is a fantastic, modern destination for all ages. Visitors praise its highly interactive, hands-on exhibits that make learning about science and energy engaging and fun. The authentic industrial setting adds a unique atmosphere to the experience. Don't miss the impressive Tesla coil show in the 'Virsmo salė' (Transformation Hall), a major highlight, though it requires a separate ticket. Afterwards, head to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Vilnius. Plan for a 3-4 hour visit and consider going on a weekday to avoid large crowds.

The Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall is a well-preserved historical site offering some of the best panoramic views of Vilnius Old Town and Užupis. As part of the Lithuanian National Museum, it provides a unique window into the city's past. Inside, visitors will find a modern, interactive museum celebrated for its engaging exhibits on local warfare. It's especially popular with families, as guests can try on replica armor and handle swords. While some find the artifact collection smaller than expected, the hands-on "learn by playing" activities make it a highly-rated experience.

Experience a beautiful and calm oasis within the city at Tuskulėnai Manor. The well-maintained grounds and park offer a peaceful setting for walks, jogging, or quiet reflection, with paths connecting down to the river. This serene landscape holds a profound history. As a branch of the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, the site commemorates victims of 1944–1947 Soviet executions. Explore the classical manor palace, the informative museum exhibitions, and the unique Chapel-Columbarium, a memorial housing the remains of those secretly buried here.

A favorite among Vilnius locals, the Museum of Applied Arts & Design is known for its dynamic and constantly rotating exhibitions. While it lacks a large permanent collection, it makes up for it with fresh, surprising shows focusing on everything from fashion history to major artists like Chagall and Picasso. The experience is often elevated by highly praised, knowledgeable guides who bring the collections to life. Housed in the 16th-century Old Arsenal, the museum's exhibition space can feel intimate or sparse depending on the current display. Visitors recommend checking the website beforehand to see what's on and note that only small lockers are available for bags.

The Vilnius Picture Gallery offers a rich journey through Lithuanian art, with a permanent collection spanning the 16th to early 20th centuries. Housed in the impressive Chodkevičiai-Puslovskiai Palace, the gallery's beautiful late classicism interiors and pleasant courtyard are as much a draw as the art itself. Visitors appreciate the blend of historical and contemporary works, with a rotating schedule of temporary exhibitions. The gallery is a vibrant cultural hub, frequently hosting classical music concerts, lectures, and educational programs. While most visitors praise the friendly staff, some have reported unwelcoming encounters. It's also worth noting that while the gallery states it is adapted for mobility disabilities, some guest reviews mention significant accessibility challenges at the entrance.

A must-visit for anyone interested in Lithuanian history, the Signatories' House is celebrated as the birthplace of modern independence. Visitors are often moved standing in the room where the 1918 Act of Independence was signed. Knowledgeable guides and friendly staff bring the exhibits to life, making the experience deeply engaging. While history buffs find it fascinating, the text-heavy exhibits can feel sparse for those not already invested in the subject. Hiring a guide is highly recommended to get the most out of your visit and explore the era of Lithuania's rebirth.

Discover art from the Lithuanian diaspora in a serene setting at the Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum. Housed in the former headquarters of the Vilnius Society of Friends of Science, this small, well-maintained museum is praised for its quiet, uncrowded atmosphere, allowing for a peaceful visit. Visitors enjoy the well-curated rotating exhibitions and helpful staff. While the museum is named for Vytautas Kasiulis, be aware that his work is not always on display, a common point of frustration for guests. It's best to check the museum's website for current exhibition details before your visit.

Part of the Vilnius University museum network, this historic site preserves the memory of the great Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz. The modest exhibition is housed in a few atmospheric rooms, offering a glimpse into another era. While the museum is small, visitors consistently praise the experience as a "must-visit" in Vilnius. The passionate, Polish-speaking guides are the highlight, sharing wonderful stories that make the poet's history feel alive. It's an inexpensive and essential stop for anyone interested in Polish literature and heritage.

Visitors are charmed by this cozy museum, a rare example of 19th-century wooden architecture that was once the home of Alexander Pushkin's son, Grigory, and his wife, Varvara. The main house features six authentically furnished rooms with original furniture, some decorated with the Pushkin family crest, offering a genuine glimpse into the era. Beyond the manor, the expansive 18-hectare park provides a tranquil escape with its old trees, ponds, and the historic St. Varvara's Chapel. To fully appreciate the history, hiring one of the knowledgeable guides is highly recommended. Note that the museum is cash-only for admission.

A modern and colorful museum that is a huge hit with families, the Lithuanian Railway Museum offers a surprisingly engaging experience. Visitors love the hands-on approach, with highlights including impressive model train layouts and a popular train driving simulator that lets kids and adults take the controls. The fun continues outside with a free-to-visit park of historic locomotives. While many exhibits are in Lithuanian and some interactive elements can occasionally be out of order, the friendly staff and great value make it a fantastic stop, especially if you're waiting for a train.

Visitors consistently describe the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum as a surprising hidden gem, much larger on the inside than its exterior suggests. It features a unique and extensive collection that juxtaposes the artist's own optical art with historical furniture, sculptures, and other artifacts, creating a world-class experience at an affordable price. As a branch of the Lithuanian National Museum, it's essential to plan your visit. A standard ticket only grants partial access, and reviewers strongly recommend booking a guided tour in advance to experience the full collection. These tours are led by passionate guides who bring the artist's eclectic world to life.

Visitors describe the Vilnius University Library as a stunningly beautiful and historic institution, with magnificent architecture, frescoes, and intricate woodwork. The serene atmosphere of its reading rooms has even drawn comparisons to scenes from Harry Potter, offering a truly magical experience. Beyond its beauty, the library houses Lithuania's largest repository of old publications, including rare books, manuscripts, and a notable collection of giant globes. While some halls are easily accessible, visitors should note an entrance fee may apply and advance booking is often needed to explore the full extent of its historic spaces.