Vilniaus universiteto muziejus
Architectural ensemble of the Vilniaus universitetas with 13 courtyards, Šv. Jonų bažnyčia (St John’s Church) and the Lietuvių studijų centras; free entry for individual visitors.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The university’s science museum opened in St John’s Church (Šv. Jonų bažnyčia) on 16 September 1979, ahead of the university’s 400th anniversary; its first head was Vincas Žilėnas. After Lithuania regained independence, the museum became a department of the university library. On 23 February 2010 the university Senate’s commission approved the Vilniaus universiteto muziejus under a new concept. During this period the bell tower of St John’s Church was also opened to visitors.
The museum looks after the university’s architectural ensemble, a palace complex with almost five hundred years of history and thirteen courtyards, bounded by Universiteto g., Šv. Jono g., Pilies g. and Skapo g. The ensemble reflects the main Lithuanian architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism. Visitors can explore the courtyards, St John’s Church with the largest altar and organ in Lithuania, the Lietuvių studijų centras (Lithuanian Studies Centre) and the fresco “Metų laikai” (Seasons) by Petras Repšys.
The museum’s collections hold paintings, graphic works, medals, numismatics, manuscripts, sculptures, rare prints and books related to the university, the city of Vilnius and the Lithuanian state. The bell tower, the Idėjų observatorija and the temporarily closed Adomo Mickevičiaus muziejus also belong to the museum.
Highlights
- Five-century university ensemble with 13 courtyards
- St John’s Church with the largest altar and organ in Lithuania
- Petras Repšys’ fresco “Metų laikai” (Seasons)
- Tours of the central ensemble and the church
- Free entry for individual visitors
- Founded
- 1979
- Operated by
- Vilniaus universitetas
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
|---|---|
| Groups | €3 per personFor organised groups not led by a museum guide or a travel agency: adults €3, students and POLA card holders €2 |
| Guided tour for an organised group (from 4 persons), adults | €8Pensioners €4, students €2; tours take place Monday to Saturday 10:00–17:00 |
Individual visitors visit the ensemble and St John’s Church free of charge. Registration is required for groups.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
A tour for younger pupils (grades 1–4) with activities about legends, wall painting and the history of the university.
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
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours of the central ensemble are booked by organised groups (from 4 persons) by registering online at least 24 hours in advance; phone for tours +370 5 268 7298. Tours are offered of the ensemble, St John’s Church, for younger pupils (grades 1–4) and of the historic sites of the university in the Old Town. |
