Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor

About

The Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor in Klaipėda offers a deep look into the cultural, political and everyday life of the region that once formed the northern part of Prussia. Housed in a restored 19th‑century building, the museum highlights the unique identity of Lithuania Minor, shaped by centuries of interaction between Lithuanians, Germans and other Baltic peoples. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions that trace the region’s development through rare books, traditional clothing, household items and tools used by local fishermen and craftsmen. One of the most interesting sections focuses on the printing heritage of Lithuania Minor, where the first Lithuanian books and newspapers were produced. The museum also preserves artefacts linked to Kristijonas Donelaitis, author of The Seasons, one of the earliest works of Lithuanian literature. Another highlight is the display of old maps, city plans and photographs that reveal how Klaipėda evolved from a fortified port into a multicultural urban centre. The museum’s atmospheric rooms, filled with authentic objects and personal stories, offer a vivid sense of daily life in the region across different eras.

Klaipėda Lithuania

Location

The Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor is located in the Old Town of Klaipėda, in western Lithuania. It’s housed in a historic 18th-century building on Didžioji Vandens Street, near the Danė River. Founded in 1924, the museum focuses on the culture, history, and people of Lithuania Minor — the ethnographic region once known as Prussian Lithuania. Exhibits cover the unique heritage of the area, including folk art, traditional clothing, old maps, documents, and artifacts from Klaipėda’s German and Lithuanian past. You’ll learn about the port city’s development, the Memel Territory period, shipbuilding, and local crafts. The museum also runs the nearby Blacksmith’s Museum and organizes cultural events that showcase the region’s traditions. The museum is just steps from Theatre Square, the heart of Klaipėda’s Old Town with its fachwerk architecture and the Ännchen von Tharau fountain. The Castle Museum and Klaipėda Castle ramparts are a short walk away by the river. Also close are the Museum of Clocks, the Meridianas sailing ship, and the Old Port area. From the ferry terminal nearby, you can cross to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit to visit the Lithuanian Sea Museum, Dolphinarium, and the beaches of the national park.