Museum of Lithuanian Ethnography in Rumšiškės

Stretching across an area of 194 ha., the Museum of Lithuanian Life is one of the largest ethnographic open-air museums in Europe. According to Tripadvisor, this museum is the most visited place in Kaunas. But the truth is that the museum was established in Kaišiadorys region. In 2017, "The Guardian" included the traditional Cheesefare Week (also known as Maslenitsa) organised in the museum on its list of top ten most interesting carnivals.

According to Tom Harper, the director of the "War & Peace" which was broadcast on BBC in 2016 and included several scenes filmed at the Museum, this place is a must-see during your visit to Lithuania.

The coast of Kaunas Reservoir accommodates 146 authentic buildings transferred from all regions of Lithuania, namely from Dzūkija (Dainava), Aukštaitija (Highlands), Suvalkija (Sudovia), Žemaitija (Samogitia) and MažojiLietuva (Minor Lithuania). The exhibitions inside represent ordinary life, including household appliances, crafting, trading, agricultural machinery as it looked at the end of the 18th century and the first half of the 20th century.Peasants' houses are embellished with traditional front gardens in blossom. Horses, goats, sheep can be seen on pasture, including an apiary.  The centerpiece of the museum is a town featuring buildings where various craftsmen and traders are engaged in pottery, weaving, amber and wood crafting. A Tavern and a Tea room are open from May 1 until October 1. The Aristavėlė Manor House dating back to the 18th century and retaining its look of a typical nobleman’s residence is located in the northwest territory of the museum (beyond the Highlands village). 

Come to spend a day at the museum. Make sure you have comfortable shoes for long walks. You can even rent a bike at the museum and travel on bicycles.  Children can enjoy participating in different educational programmes or have fun with horses. 

Each year the museum holds more than 15 events dedicated to various holidays, family customs and traditions. You can book one of forty educational programmes. If you do, you will be more than a visitor to the museum, but alsoa participant in atraditional wedding ceremony or christening.

The most convenient way to reach this place is by car via the Vilnius - Kaunas highway.  In summer, you can also take a boat from Kaunas Reservoir dock.