Fotografijos muziejus
The only specialised museum of photographic art and technology in Lithuania, with about 150,000 exhibits and a roof terrace with a view of the city.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Fotografijos muziejus (Photography Museum) opened on 25 May 1973 as a public museum, under the patronage of the Lithuanian Photographic Art Society; the initiator of the idea was the photojournalist Antanas Dilys. In 1976 the museum received permanent premises in the old town centre of Šiauliai, on Vilniaus Street, and in the same year it came under the management of the Aušros muziejus (Aušra Museum).
The museum kept expanding: in 1983 it was given another floor of the building, in 1990 a new exhibition on the history of Lithuanian photography was installed, and during the reconstruction of 2009–2014 it occupied the whole four-storey building. In 2014 the Vito Luckaus fotografijos centras (Vitas Luckus Photography Centre) was founded here, researching Lithuanian art photography of the second half of the 20th century.
The museum holds about 150,000 items: photographs, negatives, photographic equipment, printed matter and documents. On 25 May 2023, marking the 50th anniversary, a new permanent exhibition on the history of photography, “Laisvę fotografijai!” (“Freedom for Photography!”), was opened.
Highlights
- The only specialised photography museum in Lithuania
- Permanent exhibition “Laisvę fotografijai!” (“Freedom for Photography!”)
- About 150,000 photographs, negatives and technical exhibits
- Vito Luckaus fotografijos centras (Vitas Luckus Photography Centre)
- Roof terrace with a view of Šiauliai
Permanent exhibition
- Laisvę fotografijai! – A history exhibition on the development of photography in Lithuania and the world, with the most valuable items from the museum's collections, reconstructions and hands-on spaces.
- Founded
- 1973
- Operated by
- Šiaulių „Aušros“ muziejus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Pupils, students, pensioners, members of the Riflemen's Union, soldiers, political prisoners and deportees, veterans of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and members of creative unions (50% discount) |
| Children & teens | –Admission is free for pre-school children; pupils receive a 50% discount. |
| Seniors | €4A 50% discount applies to persons of pensionable age; admission is free from the age of 80. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Admission is free for persons with disabilities and their assistant (one accompanying person). |
| Students & apprentices | €4For students of full-time study programmes at higher education institutions (citizens of EU and EEA countries). |
| Families | –Family discount: 1–2 adults with minor child(ren) receive a 50% discount on the visit ticket; holders of a family card receive 50% off. |
| Guided tour (up to 30 people) | €30No discounts apply; a visit ticket must also be bought. |
| Visit to the roof terrace | €1With discount – €0.50. |
Free admission: On the last Sunday of every month, all visitors can visit the museum free of charge.
Prices are valid from 1 September 2026. Orphans and children without parental care, teachers accompanying pupil groups, staff of Lithuanian museums and ICOM members also visit free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A lift is installed for visitors with mobility impairments.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Educational programmes are held for children and pupils; families with minor children receive a 50% discount on the visit ticket.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
A wedding ceremony in the museum (up to 2 hours) costs €250; on the roof terrace €200.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | A professional two-hour photo session with your own photographer in the museum and on the roof terrace costs €100; register by phone, +370 41 52 43 93. |
| Good to know | The audio guide service is free. Guided tours can be booked in advance. |