Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor, Blacksmith Museum

About

The Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor and the Blacksmith Museum in Klaipėda form a compelling cultural duo, revealing both the intellectual heritage and the traditional craftsmanship of the region. Together, they offer a vivid portrait of daily life, trade and identity in Lithuania Minor, a land shaped by centuries of interaction between Baltic and Germanic cultures. The historical museum presents rare books, traditional clothing, fishing tools and household objects that illustrate how communities lived along the coast. Particularly fascinating is the focus on early Lithuanian printing, as Lithuania Minor was home to the first Lithuanian‑language publications. Exhibits dedicated to Kristijonas Donelaitis highlight the literary roots of the region. A short walk away, the Blacksmith Museum immerses visitors in the world of ironwork. Set in a restored workshop, it showcases tools, forged ornaments and functional objects once essential to Klaipėda’s urban and rural life. Live demonstrations reveal how craftsmen shaped metal using fire, hammer and anvil, preserving techniques passed down through generations.

Klaipėda Lithuania

Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor, Blacksmith Museum

Location

The Museum of the History of Lithuania Minor and the Blacksmith Museum are located close to each other in Klaipėda’s Old Town, in western Lithuania. Just a short walk away on Šaltkalvių Street is the Blacksmith Museum. Housed in a former blacksmith’s workshop, it displays original tools, forges, and ornate metalwork like crosses, weather vanes, and gates typical of Lithuania Minor. The courtyard often hosts live blacksmithing demonstrations and exhibitions of modern metal art. Both museums are in the heart of the Old Town, minutes from Theatre Square with its Ännchen von Tharau fountain and German-style fachwerk houses. The Castle Museum and Klaipėda Castle remains sit by the Danė River nearby. You can also visit the Museum of Clocks, the Meridianas sailing ship, and the Old Port. From the ferry terminal, it’s a short trip to Smiltynė on the Curonian Spit to see the Lithuanian Sea Museum, Dolphinarium, and the dunes of the national park. Together, these two museums give a rich look at local heritage while keeping you close to Klaipėda’s main sights.