Lietuvos aviacijos muziejus

About

The Lithuanian Aviation Museum in Kaunas is a fascinating tribute to the country’s long and inventive aviation history, located beside the historic Aleksotas airfield—one of Europe’s oldest still‑operating airfields. Founded in 1983, the museum preserves the legacy of Lithuanian pilots, engineers, and aircraft designers whose achievements once placed the country at the forefront of early aviation. Inside, visitors can explore an impressive collection of aircraft, gliders, engines, and flight instruments. Highlights include original models created by legendary Lithuanian aviators such as Antanas Gustaitis, whose ANBO aircraft series became symbols of national engineering pride. The museum also displays parts of the famous Lituanica II, commemorating the daring 1933 transatlantic flight of Darius and Girėnas. One of the most interesting sections is the glider exhibition, reflecting Lithuania’s strong tradition in gliding sports. Interactive displays allow visitors to understand aerodynamics, cockpit controls, and the evolution of flight technology. The museum’s observation area, overlooking the runway, adds a living dimension as small aircraft still take off and land nearby.

Kaunas Lithuania

Location

The Lithuanian Aviation Museum is located in Aleksotas, Kaunas, right next to the historic S. Darius and S. Girėnas Airfield. It’s the only museum in Lithuania dedicated entirely to aviation history and technology. Inside and on the open-air grounds, you’ll see over 40 aircraft, including gliders, helicopters, Soviet-era jets, and replicas of the legendary Lituanica plane flown by Darius and Girėnas across the Atlantic in 1933. The exhibition covers Lithuanian aviation pioneers, sport flying, and military history. Kids love the interactive cockpit displays and the chance to sit in some of the planes. The museum sits on a hill in Aleksotas, offering great views over Kaunas Old Town just across the Nemunas River. A short walk away is the Aleksotas Funicular, one of the oldest operating funiculars in Europe, which takes you down to the river. From there, you can explore Kaunas Old Town with its cobblestone streets, Kaunas Castle, Town Hall Square, and Vilnius Street cafes. Also close by are the Vytautas the Great War Museum, M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum, and Žaliakalnis Funicular. The Ninth Fort memorial and Pažaislis Monastery are a short drive away for history and architecture fans.