Museums in Vilnius

Applied Art Museum

Once upon a time there was a Royal Palace in Vilnius. Like many a palace it was eventually leveled and looted throughout several wars. Unlike most castles, this one is being reconstructed to once again appear as it old self (see a huge construction site next to Cathedral). Remnants of the original, however, can be found here in old arsenal building in this exhibit titled "Artifacts from the Royal Palace of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania." The most notable remaining pieces are tile frames from the ancient palace stoves and a chess set dating back to the 16th century. The upper floor religious display is fairly stoic, but has an impressive collection of stations of the cross. Do not even think about bringing photo apparatus into this museum.

Kazys Varnelis Museum

Kazys Varnelis escaped Lithuania in 1949 and earned moderate fame and fortune in America by creating the sorts of dizzying-pattern paintings that inspired wallpaper that people are still trying to remove from 70s style flats. He is not only an artist, but an avid art collector, and when he returned to Lithuania in 1998, he brought his immense collection with him, which can now be seen in this mind boggling museum. It's impossible to even suggest the vast range of stuff tucked away in this nondescript looking building. You have to see it to believe it. Appointments necessary, and well worthwhile.

Lithuanian Energy Museum

Illuminating facts about the power of energy are found here. Get a closer look at some tools that drove Lithuania’s energy needs since the early 1900s. The old Vilnius Central Power plant turned museum houses turbo generators, steam boilers and control room designs that came from places from St. Petersburg to Switzerland. Here you can witness the historical chronology of the Eastern European energy evolution all the way up to the scale model of the Ignalina Nuclear power plant. Far from a shocking experience, most will get a charge out of it. Call in advance.

Lithuanian Railway Museum

Well tap my wheels and call me Thomas, this dinky little museum even has a train set. All aboard for a brief history of the Lithuanian railway system, complete with photos, diagrams, uniforms, signal lights, old tickets, stamps, pins, etc.

National Museum

The museum houses an extensive ethnographic collection with exhibits illustrating the history of the people of Lithuania from the 13th century to the present. Sure, the sleigh which looks like a big elfin slipper will instantly impress, as will the 18th century toilet and the recreated rooms of Lithuanian village life; but it's when you pay attention to the details of the recent additions that this place really impresses. Small flecks of silver, for instance, are some of the earliest Lithuanian coins, found in 2002 at the site of the Lower Castle. Then there are those scraps of fabric, found among remains of Napoleon's soldiers recovered in the same year. Vilnius is still unearthing history, and this is the place to see it.