Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum of Lithuania

Taking history from the page and into the real world. That’s what Rumšiškės Open-Air Museum Of Lithuania achieves, and so much more. This ethnographic museum, which at 195 ha is the largest of its type in Europe, resembles a picture-perfect village. Arranged around a traditional town or village square you’ll find bright and colourful buildings, each designed to reflect the peculiar architectural styles of the regions of Lithuania, in both their urban and rural context. In fact, you could say the village is Lithuania in miniature! All the regions of the country are reflected, Dzūkija (Dainava), Aukštaitija (Highlands), Suvalkija (Sudovia), Žemaitija (Samogitia) and Lithuania Minor, with examples ranging in chronology from the 18th to the first half 20th century.  

Wander through the town, and visit the church, the inn, as well as the houses of various local craftspeople, where you’ll be able to watch them at work and learn more about the crafts of weaving, pottery, and wood craft. And what town of the era would be complete without a manor house? Walk to the northernmost part of the village and you’ll find it in all its 18th century-esque glory. And as you explore and discover, you’ll learn about how the interiors of the day looked and how the people lived. It’s literally like walking into a different time. Not only that, the museum organizes lots of cultural events where visitors are able to experience Lithuania’s deep and colorful musical and artistic customs.