Kėdainiai Regional Museum

About

Kėdainiai Regional Museum is one of central Lithuania’s most engaging cultural institutions, housed in several historic buildings that reflect the town’s multicultural past. Founded in the early twentieth century, the museum preserves the heritage of a city once shaped by Lithuanians, Poles, Jews, Scots, and Germans. An interesting fact is that Kėdainiai was one of the few towns in the region where the Reformation flourished, and the museum’s collections vividly illustrate this unique history. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions on archaeology, local crafts, and the daily life of Kėdainiai’s diverse communities. The sections dedicated to the Radziwiłł family highlight their political influence and their role in shaping the town’s architecture. One of the most compelling displays focuses on the Jewish community, presenting ritual objects, photographs, and stories that bring pre‑war Kėdainiai to life. The museum also features period interiors, traditional clothing, and artefacts that trace the evolution of trade and urban culture. Together, these exhibitions create a rich portrait of a town where many cultures once met and thrived.

Kėdainiai Lithuania

Location

The Kėdainiai Regional Museum is located at Didžioji g. 19 in the heart of Kėdainiai’s Old Town, a historic town in central Lithuania on the Nevėžis River. Its building is the restored former Carmelite Monastery from the 18th–19th century, placing it right in the center of the town’s most important cultural and historical area. Nearby attractions are all within easy walking distance. The Kėdainiai Old Town is one of only four Old Towns in Lithuania, alongside Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda, with its characteristic layout and historic buildings. Directly nearby is St. Joseph’s Church on Radvilų g. 10, a notable Catholic church, and the iconic Kėdainiai Minaret in the Central Park, a unique monument in the Baltics. The Evangelical Reformed Church, whose tower houses the Mausoleum of the Radziwiłł Dukes, is just a short walk away, and the Arts & Crafts House of the Arnets on Radvilų g. 21, a historic merchant’s house, is also close. For art lovers, the Janina Monkutė-Marks Museum-Gallery on J.Basanavičiaus g. 45 is nearby, showcasing works by the expatriate artist and rotating exhibitions. The Kėdainiai Tourist Information Centre is located at Didžiosios Rinkos g. 6-3, offering maps and guided tour information just steps from the museum.