One of the halls of the Belarusian Museum in Vilnius, 1933

Wilno Belarusian Museum

Wilno Belarusian Museum Vilnius: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to the Wilno Belarusian Museum in Vilnius

The Wilno Belarusian Museum in Vilnius, also known as the Ivan Lutskevich Belarusian Museum, stands as a cornerstone of cultural preservation for the Belarusian community in Lithuania’s capital. Located in the historic heart of Vilnius, this museum offers an immersive exploration of Belarusian history, art, literature, and ethnography, highlighting the city’s role as a crossroads of cultures. Originally founded during the interwar period and revitalized in recent decades, the museum continues to foster Belarusian cultural revival within Vilnius’s multicultural landscape.

The museum’s extensive collections include rare manuscripts—such as fragments of Francysk Skaryna’s Prague Bible—ethnographic treasures, religious icons, and works by acclaimed Belarusian artists. Alongside its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events that reflect Belarusian identity and its dynamic relationships with Lithuanian, Polish, and Jewish communities. Modern amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, multilingual guided tours, and digital resources make the Wilno Belarusian Museum an accessible and enriching destination for all.

For up-to-date visiting hours, ticket details, and event information, refer to the official Ivan Lutskevich Belarusian Museum website and the Vilnius tourism portal. To further explore Vilnius’s multicultural past, consult Wikipedia’s History of Vilnius and the LNMA Exhibition page.

Front page of the Vilnius Belarusian Museum Ivan Lutskievich historical manuscript titled 'Slavonic Grammar' by Meletius Smotrytsky from 1619

Historical Belarusian Vilnius Museum Ivan Luckievich old manuscript page with Cyril and Methodius depiction

Vilnius Belarusian Museum named after Ivan Lutskievich, old book titled Monarchia turecka, printed in Slutsk in 1678

Antique clock from Vilnius Belarusian Museum named after Ivan Lutskievich, Moscow 1640

Exlibris of Vilnius Belarusian Museum named after Ivan Luckievič

Employees of the Belarusian Historical and Ethnographic Museum named after I. Lutskievich in Vilnius in the 1940s

Museum Overview
Historical Context
Practical Visitor Information
Location & Accessibility
Visiting Hours
Tickets & Admission
Guided Tours & Languages
Photography Policy
Museum Highlights
Special Exhibitions & Community Programs
Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Enhancing Your Visit: Visuals & Digital Resources
Conclusion & Visitor Recommendations
Key Historical Milestones
Sources

Museum Overview

Nestled in Vilnius’s historic centre, the Wilno Belarusian Museum is a cultural gem that offers a comprehensive look into the Belarusian community’s legacy in Lithuania. Its thoughtfully curated collections and vibrant programming make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and members of the Belarusian diaspora.

Historical Context

Vilnius—known as Wilno (Polish) and Vilne (Yiddish)—has long been a multicultural crossroads. Founded in 1323 by Grand Duke Gediminas, the city’s tradition of tolerance and cultural exchange fostered Belarusian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Jewish cultural revivals (History of Vilnius). The Belarusian Museum was established during the interwar period, signifying Vilnius’s importance as a hub for Belarusian culture. Today, the Ivan Lutskevich Belarusian Museum continues this legacy, preserving artifacts and stories that document the Belarusian experience in the city.

Practical Visitor Information

Location & Accessibility

Address: Ostrobramska 9 Street, Vilnius, Lithuania
Setting: Situated in Vilnius’s Old Town, adjacent to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, and easily accessible from major city landmarks.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms. Advance arrangements are recommended for visitors requiring special assistance.

Visiting Hours

Standard Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Special Events: Extended hours may apply during exhibitions or city-wide events like Museum Night.
Closed: Mondays and major public holidays
Check: For the most current schedule, consult the official museum website.

Tickets & Admission

Adults: €5
Students/Seniors: €3
Children under 12: Free
Discounts: Available for groups and Vilnius Pass holders
Free Days: Last Sunday of each month (for institutions under the Ministry of Culture)
Purchase: Online via the museum website or at the entrance

Guided Tours & Languages

Languages: Lithuanian, Belarusian, Polish, Russian, and English
Guided Tours: Available daily; advance booking recommended, especially during peak seasons

Photography Policy

Allowed: Non-flash photography in most permanent exhibition spaces
Restrictions: No flash or tripods; some areas, especially during temporary exhibits, may have additional restrictions

Museum Highlights

Rare Manuscripts: Fragments of Francysk Skaryna’s Prague Bible (1517), Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (1588), Ewangelie Nowogródzkie (14th century), and Al-Kitab manuscript
Ethnographic Artifacts: Traditional Belarusian costumes, textiles, folk art, and religious icons
Fine Arts: Works by Yazep Drazdovich, Mikola Slyunkov, and other notable Belarusian artists
Literary Heritage: Memorabilia from the first Belarusian schools in Vilnius, and archives of prominent Belarusian writers and activists
Multimedia Displays: Interactive touchscreens, audio guides, and digital archives accessible both on-site and online

Special Exhibitions & Community Programs

The museum hosts a variety of rotating and collaborative exhibitions, recently including:

“Art Across Borders: Belarusian-Lithuanian Dialogues” (2024): Contemporary perspectives on migration and identity
“Women of Wilno: Belarusian Heroines” (2024/2025): Honoring women’s cultural contributions
“Belarusian Vilnius: A Century of Presence” (2025): Multimedia exploration of the Belarusian community’s evolution
Collaborations: Joint exhibitions with Lithuanian, Polish, and Ukrainian institutions, such as “Shared Heritage: Belarusian and Lithuanian Sacred Art” (2023) (LNMA Exhibition)

Community engagement includes educational workshops, family activities, lectures, book launches, poetry readings, and concerts—many of which are designed to foster intercultural dialogue.

Nearby Attractions & Travel Tips

Nearby Sites: Vilnius Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage), Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower, Gediminas Tower, Museum of the History of Lithuanian Jews, and the Gate of Dawn
Amenities: Numerous cafes, restaurants, ATMs, and tourist information centers are within walking distance (My Global Viewpoint)
Getting There: Accessible by public transport (bus, tram), walking, or taxi. Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
Vilnius Pass: Consider purchasing for savings on museum entry and local attractions (Go Vilnius)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and holidays.

Q: What is the ticket price?
A: Adults: €5; students/seniors: €3; free for children under 12; discounts for groups and Vilnius Pass holders.

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, but due to the historic building, contact the museum in advance for specific needs.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; advance booking is recommended.

Q: Can I take photos inside the museum?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited; public transport or walking is recommended.

Q: Are virtual tours or digital resources available?
A: Yes, explore digitized archives and virtual tours on the museum’s website.

Enhancing Your Visit: Visuals & Digital Resources

Digital Collections: Browse online exhibitions and digitized archives via the museum’s website
Audio Guides: Enhance your experience with the Audiala app for expert commentary
Multimedia: High-quality images and virtual tours are available online to preview the museum’s offerings
Map Link: Wilno Belarusian Museum on Google Maps (replace with actual link)

Conclusion & Visitor Recommendations

The Wilno Belarusian Museum is a dynamic institution that not only preserves centuries-old artifacts but also nurtures contemporary Belarusian culture in Vilnius. Its accessible location, engaging exhibitions, and inclusive programming make it an essential destination for anyone interested in Vilnius’s historical sites and multicultural heritage.

Plan your visit around special events or city-wide celebrations, such as Museum Night, for an even richer experience. For travel updates, digital resources, and the latest programming, check the official museum website and the Vilnius Events calendar.