Open-Air Museum of Lithuania

Established in 1966, this museum showcases over 180 authentic buildings from Lithuania’s rural past, offering insights into traditional village life.

Planning your visit

The Open-Air Museum of Lithuania at Rumšiškės is one of the largest in Europe — over 180 relocated buildings spread across 175 hectares beside the Kaunas Reservoir, organised into four regional sectors representing Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija and Žemaitija, plus a reconstructed small town with a church, school, tavern, pharmacy and fire station.

The regional organisation is the point: Lithuanian vernacular building varied considerably between regions in materials, roof form and layout, and walking between the sectors makes those differences visible rather than theoretical.

Later additions cover the twentieth century, including a Soviet-era exhibition and, most affectingly, a reconstructed Siberian deportee's hut — Lithuanians deported by Stalin built such shelters, and the exhibit is a rare direct treatment of that history.

Interiors are furnished, craftspeople work on site, and seasonal festivals mark the traditional calendar.

The site is large and outdoors; allow half a day and check the seasonal opening.

Bookable options include day tours from Kaunas combining the museum with Pažaislis monastery or Trakai castle. Current availability is listed below.