Taikomosios dailės ir dizaino muziejus

About the museum

The Taikomosios dailės ir dizaino muziejus is one of the branches of the Lietuvos nacionalinis dailės muziejus (Lithuanian National Museum of Art). It is housed in the large, or eastern, wing of the Old Arsenal of the Vilnius Lower Castle. The Renaissance arsenal building was erected in the mid-16th century on Gothic defensive walls, during the reigns of Sigismund the Old and Sigismund Augustus. Later it became one of the largest weapons and ammunition stores in the state. The building suffered greatly during the Russian invasion in the mid-17th century, and from the second half of the 19th century it stood abandoned.

Research on the building began in 1972. The eastern wing was rebuilt in 1986 to a design by the architect E. Purlys and adapted for museum purposes. The museum was founded in 1987, and soon a permanent exhibition of applied art from the 14th to the 20th century was set up here. Later large exhibitions were held in the building: “Taikomoji baroko dailė Lietuvoje” (Applied Baroque Art in Lithuania), an exhibition of copies of Jan Matejko's “Battle of Grunwald” (Žalgiris) canvases and banners, which was visited by almost 200 thousand people in five months, and the exhibition “Krikščionybė Lietuvos mene” (Christianity in Lithuanian Art).

Today the museum presents a dynamic, constantly changing programme of exhibitions of historical and contemporary applied art by Lithuanian and foreign artists. The museum's collections hold artworks, both fine and applied, from Lithuania and abroad from the 14th century to the present day, and on the first floor and in the basement authentic remains of the old masonry can be seen. Educational sessions and cultural events take place in the museum, and summer art camps for children are organised.

Highlights

• Restored 16th-century Old Arsenal of the Vilnius Lower Castle
• Lithuanian and foreign applied art and design exhibitions
• Collections from the 14th century to the present day
• Authentic remains of the old masonry on the first floor and in the basement
• Summer art camps for children

Founded

1987

Operated by

Lietuvos nacionalinis dailės muziejus

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On the last Sunday of each month all visitors can enter the permanent and temporary exhibitions free of charge.

The “Vilnius Pass” card can be used and tickets can be bought online. Free admission for pre-school children, holders of the “Bičiulių” (Friends) card, ICOM members, employees of Lithuanian museums, journalists, artists and other persons entitled to benefits; Ukrainian citizens upon presenting a document confirming their citizenship.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

The building is partly accessible for visitors with reduced mobility: all exhibition spaces can be reached by lift or platform lift, and there are wheelchairs and walkers. At present the museum is entered through the service entrance from the courtyard, so it is advisable to arrange your visit by phone on +370 5 212 1813; for the opening of the gates you can call the duty officer on +370 5 262 8080.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly

The museum runs educational sessions, and summer art camps for children are organised. The building is adapted for parents with pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the north-eastern corner of the Vilnius Lower Castle grounds, at the foot of Castle Hill, by the Vilnia river.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The museum premises can be rented on application (via muziejus@lndm.lt).

Plan your visit