National Museum of Lithuania

Located in the New Arsenal building by Gediminas hill, the National Museum of Lithuania’s main exhibition is like a crash course in Lithuanian history and culture. As you step in, be instantly transported to the ambiance of the Vilnius Antiquities Museum, which flourished from 1855 to 1915. This one-of-a-kind “museum within a museum” showcases genuine artifacts ensconced in their original glass casings. Progressing to the adjoining chamber, you’ll uncover the layers of Lithuania’s history, from the country’s ascent in the 13th century to its disintegration in 1795. The second floor will tell you how Lithuanian culture survived the difficult 19th and 20th centuries, which were marked by printing bans, deportations, and general oppression. Revel in tales of insurrections, the fierce quest for liberty, nation-building, and modernization, culminating in the pivotal moment of Lithuania's declaration of independence on 16 February 1918. Moreover, the adjoining galleries provide a splendid array of Lithuanian ethnic treasures: delve into the vibrant world of folk art, ethnic attire, rustic interiors, and the revered Lithuanian iron crosses – a UNESCO-acknowledged intangible cultural marvel.