Istorijų namai
The newest branch of the Lithuanian National Museum, in former 19th-century barracks: exhibition spaces and an ethnography storage-exhibition.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Istorijų namai (Houses of History) are housed in the Holy Trinity Barracks, built around 1880, whose architecture recalls the buildings of the Daugavpils fortress. After the 1831 uprising these estates were given over to the needs of the military fortress; when the fortress was abolished, new barracks were built here. Later the buildings housed a boarding school, which moved out before 1990. After five years of reconstruction work the abandoned buildings were handed over to the Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus (Lithuanian National Museum), and in 2021 the new branch, the Istorijų namai, opened here.
The museum presents history not as an unchanging past but as a reality that everyone creates and continues to create. Exhibition spaces are set up on the ground and first floors, and on the basement level there is a storage-exhibition holding collections of Lithuanian folk architecture, interiors and work tools from the 18th to the first half of the 20th century. During guided tours visitors get to know the most striking Lithuanian ethnographic exhibits here.
Highlights
- Ethnography storage-exhibition on the basement level
- Exhibition spaces on the ground and first floors
- Free audio guides in the exhibitions
- Museum café
- Historic 19th-century barracks
Permanent exhibition
- Etnografijos saugyklų nuolatinė ekspozicija – The storage-exhibition on the basement level shows collections of Lithuanian folk architecture, interiors and work tools from the 18th to the first half of the 20th century.
- Founded
- 2021
- Operated by
- Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Persons with disabilities and accompanying persons are admitted free. |
| Families | €12Small family ticket: 1 adult and 1–4 minor children. |
| Large family ticket (2 adults and 1–4 minor children) | €20 |
| Guided tour (group of 1–15 people), without admission tickets | €20 |
Free admission: On the last Sunday of each month, from 10:00 to 18:00, the permanent exhibition of the ethnography storage can be visited free of charge.
Tickets to temporary exhibitions carry a 50% discount. Educational sessions for children from 4 years of age and for pupils cost €3.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
The entire exhibition and the sanitary facilities are adapted for visitors with mobility impairments; the first floor can be reached by a spacious lift.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €12 · Small family ticket: 1 adult and 1–4 minor children. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Family tickets, educational sessions for children from 4 years of age and interactive exhibition elements.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kalnų parko
Kalnų parkas stop (trolleybuses 2, 3, 4, 17); Karaliaus Mindaugo stop (trolleybuses 2, 4, 17; buses 6G, 10).
By car
Paid parking
The nearest paid car park is at T. Kosciuškos g. 1a.
The entrance to the Houses of History is from the inner courtyard.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Museum café.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Free audio guides are available in the exhibitions. Tours are conducted in Lithuanian and English. |
