On May 23, 2026, the Lithuanian National Museum (LNM) will join the international Museum Night initiative and invite visitors to a special cultural program across its branches. From 6 PM onward, the museum spaces will come alive with storytelling, music, creative activities, educational programs, and unexpected experiences that encourage people to explore history not only through sight, but also through hearing, smell, and touch.
In Vilnius – a nighttime epicenter of history and unique experiences
During Museum Night, all LNM branches will stay open longer than usual and invite visitors to explore both permanent exhibitions and a special program prepared specifically for the occasion — free of charge.
At the Gediminas Castle Tower, Museum Night participants will not only be able to visit for free but also take part in special activities. Families are invited to the educational adventure “Mission: Iron Wolf,” where visitors will solve puzzles and unlock a mysterious chest. Short, dynamic tours titled “Stories from the Past” will also take place, introducing visitors to the story of Vilnius’ founding, its legends, and the development of the Upper Castle.
Nearby, at the foot of Gediminas Hill in the Pilininkas House, visitors will encounter different kinds of experiences — including the presentation of a playful new historical comic book, “The Six Values of Castle Warden Petras Nonhartas, or the Story of Six Pickled Cucumbers,” as well as the unique olfactory exhibition “Liturgical Scents of Lithuanian Faiths,”where history is revealed through aromas. During Museum Night, guided tours about witchcraft trials in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and scent tastings exploring the traditions of different religions through smell will also take place there.
Meanwhile, at the Old Arsenal, visitors are invited on an educational journey through the history of fire and light, exploring early hearths and the symbolic importance of fire in human life. At the Vilnius Defensive Wall Bastion, history will come alive through hands-on experience — visitors will be able to try archery in the educational activity “Arrow Through Time.” Nearby, the creative initiative “Give Five to Ukraine” will invite participants to contribute to a symbolic gesture of support by creating a collective artwork.
The House of Histories will invite visitors to travel even farther. Interactive tours will introduce the culture of the Ainu people — the indigenous inhabitants of northern Japan — while guests will hear live stories about their worldview and participate in creative activities. The Museum Night program will also feature the presentation of philosopher Gintautas Mažeikis’ book Lilimai, a concert by the Skriaudžiai ensemble “Kanklės,” and various tours exploring Lithuanian mythology, the spirit world, and the shaping of Lithuania’s image abroad.
Finally, at the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum exhibition “The Book Dragon: A Fantastic Story About the Beauty of Books,” visitors will embark on a journey through the birth of books, discovering their beauty and layered meaning as art objects.
At other LNM branches — including the Jonas Šliūpas Museum, the Vincas Kudirka Museum, and the Jonas Basanavičius Birthplace — visitors can also enjoy a diverse program featuring performances, live music, contemporary art, folklore, and educational tours.
All LNM Museum Night events from 6 PM onward will be free of charge, although exhibitions during the daytime will operate under normal admission conditions. Most events are open to everyone and do not require registration, but some tours and educational activities have limited capacity, so advance registration is required.
More information and registration:
Lithuanian National Museum Museum Night Events 2026
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