Vytauto Didžiojo karo muziejus

About the museum

The Vytauto Didžiojo karo muziejus (Vytautas the Great War Museum) is one of the oldest museums in Lithuania. After the Act of Independence of 1918 and the creation of the Lithuanian army, the military leadership decided to establish a War Museum in the temporary capital, Kaunas, and it was solemnly opened on 16 February 1921. The museum was blessed by the priest Jonas Mačiulis-Maironis, and army units were encouraged to collect exhibits relating to the Independence Wars and the history of the army.

The museum began in a wooden building, and on 16 February 1936 it moved to a new palace designed by the architects Vladimiras Dubeneckis, Karolis Reisonas and Kazys Krikščiukaitis. The museum still operates in this building, which is part of the architectural heritage. Lions stand at the entrance; they were cast in iron in Saint Petersburg in the mid-19th century at the order of Count Jonas Tiškevičius and later donated to the museum.

During the occupations the museum's name changed, and ideologically unsuitable exhibits were destroyed. The name Vytauto Didžiojo karo muziejus was restored on 30 January 1990. Since 1 January 2006 the museum has again been subordinate to the Ministry of National Defence.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the military history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 13th–17th centuries
• The First World War in Lithuania and the Independence Wars of 1918–1923
• “Lituanica” memorial hall and the Lithuanian army, 1920–1940
• Anti-Nazi and anti-Soviet resistance in Lithuania, 1941–1956
• Military equipment exhibition in Kaunas and the Dalia Grinkevičiūtė exhibition in Laukuva

Permanent exhibitions

• Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės karybos istorija XIII–XVII a. – The exhibition presents the history of warfare in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from the 13th to the 17th century.
• Pirmojo pasaulinio karo veiksmai Lietuvoje 1914–1915 m. ir Nepriklausomybės kovos 1918–1923 m. – The exhibition tells of the events of the First World War in Lithuania and of the struggles for independence.
• „Lituanicos“ memorialinė salė ir Lietuvos kariuomenė 1920–1940 m. – The hall presents the Lithuanian army of the interwar period and a memorial space dedicated to “Lituanica”.

Founded

1921

Operated by

Krašto apsaugos ministerija (biudžetinė įstaiga)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 16 February, 11 March, 6 July, 23 November, the last Sunday of every month, and on the days of International Museum Day events.

Admission is free for pre-school children, children from children's homes, teachers with pupil groups, active military personnel, soldiers of NATO allies, Lithuanian citizens of pensionable age, museum staff and ICOM members. The “ab” underground printing press is free. Educational programme: €3 per person plus the ticket price.

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

Persons with disabilities who arrive at the museum can call the duty officer.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Get off at the stop “Nacionalinis Kauno dramos teatras” and walk along S. Daukanto gatvė to K. Donelaičio gatvė; the museum is on the left-hand side of the street.

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