Arklio muziejus

About the museum

The Arklio muziejus in the village of Niūronys was conceived by Professor Petras Vasinauskas (1906–1995). On 18 August 1977, after discussing the idea with the director of the Elmininkai Experimental Farm, Antanas Puodžiukas, it was decided to establish it. Farmers brought exhibits from all over Lithuania – carts, lineikos and bričkos (types of light carts), wheels, ploughs, harness and saddles. The museum began operating in two barns and in the premises of the nearby primary school.

The museum kept expanding: in 1987 a forge was built; in 1993 the Aukštaitija-style Legai farmstead opened its doors; in 1996 a horse history exhibition was set up in the former premises of the Niūronys company; and in 2000 an exhibition of carvings by Jurgis Kazlauskas was opened in a granary brought from Paelmis village. Today it is a branch of the A. Baranausko ir A. Žukausko-Vienuolio memorialinis muziejus (A. Baranauskas and A. Žukauskas-Vienuolis Memorial Museum), located in the Anykščiai Regional Park, in the native village of the writer Jonas Biliūnas.

Exhibitions spread over more than a dozen buildings tell of the origin and domestication of the horse, Lithuanian breeds (the žemaitukas and the heavy Lithuanian horse), the horse in the army, urban and rural transport, blacksmithing, weaving, pottery and wheelwrighting. There is a craft centre and Aukštaitija farmsteads, and a late 19th-century Aukštaitija farm can be visited.

The museum is unthinkable without its live “exhibits” – horses, which visitors can ride, drive or simply stroke. Educational programmes are held here and traditional crafts are taught.

Highlights

• The only Horse Museum in the Baltic states
• Sixteen buildings with exhibitions and a craft centre
• Aukštaitija farmsteads of Legai and Striukai
• Rides in a horse-drawn carriage and horse riding
• Carvings by Jurgis Kazlauskas and Jonas Tvardauskas

Permanent exhibitions

• Arklio istorija – The evolution of the horse, its breeds (the žemaitukas and the Lithuanian heavy horse), horse anatomy, signs of age from the teeth, and tools for treating and caring for horses.
• Žirgas karyboje ir miesto transportas – The horse in the army and urban transport, where the horse was the main draught power.
• Kaimo transportas – Carts, lineikos, bričkos, sleighs and other rural transport vehicles collected from all over Lithuania.
• Kalvė, keramika ir audimas – Exhibitions of traditional crafts: blacksmithing, pottery, weaving and wheelwrighting.
• Aukštaitiškos sodybos ir padargų ekspozicija – The Striukai and Legai farmsteads, a late 19th-century Aukštaitija farm, tillage implements and a wheelwright's shop.
• Jurgio Kazlausko ir Jono Tvardausko drožiniai – Sculptures and carvings by the folk carvers Jurgis Kazlauskas and Jonas Tvardauskas.

Operated by

A. Baranausko ir A. Žukausko-Vienuolio memorialinis muziejus

Admission & discounts

Basic prices apply outside the season; from 1 May to 31 October higher prices apply (€7 / €5 / family ticket €19). The tour of the museum lasts 40–60 minutes and costs the same as the ticket. Educational programmes: for pupils, students and pensioners €7; for kindergarten children €4; for adults €9.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

There are swings and games in the yard; visitors can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or go riding. Educational programmes for children and a family ticket are offered.

Getting there & parking

To reach Niūronys, turn off the KK120 road Radviliškis–Anykščiai–Rokiškis; from the Anykščiai side it is about 4 km.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

On the grounds there is a café, “Pasagėlė” (Little Horseshoe), and a small shop with publications, souvenirs and heritage products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit