Lietuvos etnokosmologijos muziejus
Museum in the Molėtai region linking astronomy and ethnic culture: the stone circle “Lietuvos saulė”, an underground gallery and an observation platform.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The idea of ethnocosmology was born around 1970, when Dr Gunaras Kakaras and Dr Libertas Klimka began to combine astronomy with the Lithuanian ethnic worldview. In 1978, at the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, to mark the 225th anniversary of the Vilnius University Observatory, the first public museum was opened, with the first ethnographic exhibits.
On 15 March 1990, by a decision of the Academy of Sciences, the Etnokosmologijos muziejus (Ethnocosmology Museum) was established as a separate branch. In 1997 a telescope received from a Lithuanian and Italian fund began to operate; in 2007–2008 a project financed by the European Union Structural Funds renewed the infrastructure and purchased a modern telescope.
The museum presents the connection between people and the Cosmos – not only astronomy, but also ethnic and spiritual heritage, scientific achievements and visions of the future. The outdoor centre is a stone circle 30 metres in diameter, “Lietuvos saulė” (“The Sun of Lithuania”), the only calendar stone structure of the megalithic type in Lithuania; its stones were brought from all the counties of Lithuania. Next to it stand a two-metre cast sundial and models of the planets.
The indoor exhibition is arranged in seven halls, through which visitors ascend an underground gallery to an observation platform at a height of 32 metres. During the excursion, copies of the first Lithuanian satellites, LituanicaSat-1 and LitSat-1, meteorites and traditional Lithuanian household objects are shown, and in the evenings observations are made through telescopes.
Highlights
- Stone circle “Lietuvos saulė” (30 m in diameter)
- Underground gallery with seven exhibition halls
- Observation platform at a height of 32 m
- Copies of the satellites LituanicaSat-1 and LitSat-1, and meteorites
- Night-time observations through telescopes
Permanent exhibitions
- Etnokosmologija – ryšiai su kosminiu pasauliu – Seven halls on ancient ethnic links with the cosmos, world measurements, calendars, astronomy, astronautics, the search for extraterrestrial life and the future of civilisation; satellite copies and meteorites.
- Lauko ekspozicija „Lietuvos saulė“ – A 30-metre calendar stone circle, a two-metre cast sundial and models of the planets; open around the clock.
- Founded
- 1990
- Director
- Gunaras Kakaras
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Students of higher education institutions, vocational school pupils, soldiers, persons of pensionable age up to 80, political prisoners and deportees, freedom fighters |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Children under 6 visit free of charge. |
| Seniors | €4Free of charge from the age of 80. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freePeople with disabilities visit free of charge. |
| Ascent to the museum's observation platform | €2 |
| Night-time observations at the 80 cm telescope | €12With discount – €10 |
| Night-time observations at the 40 cm telescope | €6 |
The price applies to the daytime excursion “Etnokosmologija – ryšiai su kosminiu pasauliu” (“Ethnocosmology – Links with the Cosmic World”). For groups of more than 15 people, prices are arranged by email, registracija@lemuziejus.lt, or by phone, +370 615 20688.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- 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
The exhibition has stairs; if the stairs may cause difficulties, please contact the museum at +370 615 20688, and staff will help find a suitable visit arrangement.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Family tours & workshops
Children under 6 visit free of charge; educational programmes, sun observation and a children's corner are on offer (details on the website).
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
For private events, renting premises and filming, write to gintare@lemuziejus.lt or phone +370 603 55165.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The daytime excursion lasts up to 1.5 hours. All excursions are conducted with a guide, so advance registration is recommended (phone +370 615 20688 or registracija@lemuziejus.lt). Excursions in English and Russian are possible by arrangement. Advance registration is required for night-time observations through telescopes and for educational programmes. |
