Lietuvos žydų kultūros ir tapatybės muziejus
The first museum in Lithuania to present the life, heritage and identity of the Jewish community in detail, housed in the former Tarbut Gymnasium.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is located in the former Hebrew “Tarbut” gymnasium on Pylimo Street, which was founded in 1915 as one of the most important educational centres of Vilnius Jews. The historic building was renovated with support from European Union structural funds, and the museum opened on 18 January 2024. It is a branch of the Vilniaus Gaono žydų istorijos muziejus (Vilnius Gaon Jewish History Museum).
The exhibition is spread over three floors. On the ground floor, “Roots of Identity” tells about Jewish traditions and festivals, life in the shtetls and the heritage of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius. On the first floor, “The Power of Creation” is dedicated to literature, music, theatre and art, and visitors can also hear genuine stories of Lithuanian Jews. On the second floor the Rafaelio Chvoleso muziejus (Rafael Chvoles Museum) is devoted to the life and work of the painter who lived in Vilnius. Particular attention is paid to famous litvaks around the world, among them the sculptors Markas Antokolskis, Jacques Lipchitz and Neemija Arbitblatas, and the Nobel Prize laureates Aaron Klug and Bernard Lown.
Highlights
- Three floors of exhibitions: “Roots of Identity”, “The Power of Creation” and the Rafael Chvoles Museum
- Jewish traditions, festivals and life in the shtetls
- Heritage of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius
- Stories of famous litvaks – sculptors, scientists and artists
- Games, puzzles and creative tasks for children
Permanent exhibitions
- Tapatybės šaknys – The ground-floor exhibition covers Judaism, religious practices, life in the shtetls and the heritage of the Great Synagogue of Vilnius.
- Kūrybos galia – The first-floor exhibition covers Jewish literature, music, theatre and art, and personal stories of Lithuanian Jews.
- Rafaelio Chvoleso muziejus – The second floor presents the life and work of the painter who lived in Vilnius; his sons donated paintings from Paris to the museum.
- Founded
- 2024
- Operated by
- Vilniaus Gaono žydų istorijos muziejus
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4pupils, students, pensioners up to 80 and other groups with a card (50% discount) |
| Children & teens | €4Pre-school children are admitted free; pupils get a reduced ticket. |
| Seniors | €4For pensioners up to 80; from the age of 80 admission is free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free for persons with disabilities and their personal assistants or one accompanying person. |
| Students & apprentices | €4For full-time students, on presentation of a card. |
| Families | €12Family ticket for one branch: up to 2 adults and 4 school-age children. |
| Personal ticket (valid for 7 days, one visit to the museum’s three branches) | €12 |
| Family ticket for 7 days across the three branches (up to 2 adults and 4 children) | €20 |
| Guided tour in Lithuanian (for groups), without visitor tickets | €30Applies at the S. Bako muziejus, the Holocaust exhibition and the Lithuanian Jewish Culture and Identity Museum |
Free admission: On the last Sunday of every month the museum is free of charge for all visitors.
Prices are valid from 1 August 2026. A 50% discount applies on presentation of proof. Guided tours are conducted in Lithuanian, English and Russian; other languages by arrangement.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €12 · Family ticket for one branch: up to 2 adults and 4 school-age children. |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Almost in every room, children are invited to play games, do puzzles and complete creative tasks; family tickets are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Islandijos
The nearest stop is “Islandijos” (trolleybuses and buses).
By car
Parking is possible on the surrounding streets (limited number of spaces; the city parking tariff applies).
The museum is in the Old Town, just a few steps from the Town Hall.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours are conducted in Lithuanian, English and Russian; other languages by arrangement. |
