Multicultural Centre

About

The Multicultural Centre in Kėdainiai is one of the town’s most meaningful heritage sites, housed in the restored former Jewish Beth Midrash. It stands as a reminder of Kėdainiai’s once‑vibrant multicultural community, where Lithuanians, Jews, Poles, Germans, and Scots lived side by side. An interesting fact is that the building survived wartime destruction and later neglect, eventually being restored as a cultural space dedicated to dialogue, memory, and education. Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions that tell the story of Kėdainiai’s Jewish community, including ritual objects, photographs, and personal histories that bring pre‑war life into focus. The restored prayer hall preserves architectural details such as wooden galleries and decorative elements that hint at its original function. The Centre also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events that highlight the town’s diverse past and encourage contemporary conversations about identity and coexistence. It is both a memorial and a living cultural venue, offering a thoughtful, intimate experience.

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.