Senasis arsenalas

About the museum

The Senasis arsenalas (Old Arsenal) stands at the foot of Gediminas Hill, at the confluence of the Neris and the Vilnia. In the 13th–16th centuries there were wooden and later brick defensive walls and towers on this site, and behind them a settlement of craftsmen. Žygimantas Augustas (Sigismund II Augustus) began building the arsenal in 1547; it was connected with the Vilnius cannon foundry on the bank of the Vilnia, and the complex later expanded with northern and western wings.

The arsenal of the Grand Duchy's artillery operated until 1795. Under the Russian Empire the buildings became weapons stores, barracks and the commandant's headquarters; an investigation commission and a prison also operated here. The complex served military purposes until the end of the 1960s.

From 1960 to 1987 the complex was adapted for culture: the eastern wing was restored according to drawings by the 18th-century artist Pranciškus Smuglevičius, and the western and northern wings went to the Lithuanian National Museum. The archaeology exhibition “Lietuvos priešistorė” (Prehistory of Lithuania) housed here is the largest and most valuable collection of Lithuanian archaeological finds.

Highlights

• Exhibition of 12,000 years of Lithuanian prehistory
• Grave of a pagan priest buried almost 8,000 years ago
• Stone Age amber objects and a 5,000-year-old ritual sceptre with an elk's head
• Baltic jewellery and warriors' weapons, the Stakliškės Treasure of the 13th–14th centuries
• Copies of seven of the most important Stone Age finds, which can be touched

Permanent exhibition

• Archeologijos ekspozicija – The first floor presents the oldest Lithuanian Stone Age tools and weapons; the second floor covers the period from the beginning of the Common Era until the formation of the state in the 13th century: trade, farming, metallurgy, weapons, weaving, pottery and the history of the Baltic tribes.

Operated by

Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the last Sunday of each month all visitors enter the museum free of charge.

Discounts and free admission apply on presentation of a document confirming them. Holders of a Vilnius Pass card, holders of a family card and citizens of Ukraine may also visit free of charge. The audio guide is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main entrance has a ramp; the exhibition is spread over two floors, and a lift goes to the second floor; there are ramps too. The sanitary facilities are not adapted for persons with disabilities. Some descriptions on the first floor are adapted for touch, and there are descriptions in Braille and an audio guide. The exhibition has been translated into Lithuanian Sign Language (video guide QR code at the cash desk).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Educational sessions are offered for children from age 4 and for pupils, and family tickets have been prepared for families. On the first floor, visitors can touch copies of seven of the most important Stone Age finds.

Getting there & parking

The entrance to the Senasis arsenalas and the events hall is in the inner courtyard, opposite the lift up to Gediminas Hill.

Amenities & 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