Chaim Frenkel's Villa

Chaim Frenkel’s Villa in Šiauliai is one of Lithuania’s finest examples of early 20th‑century eclectic architecture, built by the influential industrialist Chaim Frenkel, whose leather factory once made the city famous across Europe. The villa’s elegant façade, blending Neo‑Baroque and Art Nouveau elements, reflects the wealth and cosmopolitan taste of the Frenkel family, who played a major role in Šiauliai’s cultural and economic life. Inside, visitors can explore beautifully restored interiors that recreate the atmosphere of an affluent Jewish household before the Second World War. Period furniture, decorative textiles and ornate ceiling details reveal the refined lifestyle of the era. Exhibitions highlight the history of the Frenkel family, the development of their factory and the broader story of Jewish heritage in Šiauliai. Particularly interesting are the displays of luxury goods once produced in the factory and archival photographs documenting the villa’s transformation over time. The surrounding garden, designed in a romantic style, adds to the charm, making the villa both a historical monument and a serene cultural retreat.