Amber Museum-Gallery (Gintaro Muziejus-Galerija)
The basics
Amber—sometimes known as Baltic gold—once served a key role in Lithuania's maritime trade, so the museum-gallery is a fitting stop if you want to learn about this regional product. Find a sizable collection of diverse items like amber-trapped insects, a full-color spectrum of fossilized resin, and a hefty amber piece weighing about three kilograms (6.6 pounds). The museum's highlight is Juodkrantė’s Treasure, containing hundreds of artifacts from the Neolithic period.
Because of its convenient Old Town location, it's easy to include a stop at the Amber Museum-Gallery while wandering this historic city district. Plan to visit after checking out nearby attractions like St. Anne's Church, Bernardine Park, and the artsy enclave of Uzupis—across the Vilnia River.
Things to know before you go
- The Amber Museum-Gallery is a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs, including artist-crafted jewelry.
- Don't miss the cellar, containing historic Eastern European kilns dating to the 15th century.
- The museum-gallery offers free entry.
How to get there
The Amber Museum-Gallery is located in the Old Town, just around the corner from Vilnius University. The most convenient way to visit the museum is after an Old Town tour. If art is your passion, you might prefer an amber or crafts tour, since most include a stop at the Amber Museum.
Trip ideas
When to get there
There's really no bad time to visit the Amber Museum-Gallery, which is open on weekdays and holds regular business hours. You can expect more crowds in the Old Town area during peak tourist season, from June through August, since the sun doesn't set until well into the evening. Late spring and early autumn typically mean fewer tourists and pleasant weather.
Visiting the Republic of Uzupis
Just a short walk from the gallery is the formerly working-class neighborhood of Uzupis, Vilnius' bohemian hotspot. It's a prime destination for exploring galleries, checking out street art and public sculpture, and grabbing a bite at one of the numerous cafés, restaurants, or bars. Since Uzupis claims independence from Vilnius—it proclaimed statehood in the late 1990s—don't miss the quirky Constitution of the Republic, which is proudly displayed on placards along Paupio Lane.
- Bernardine Church (Bernardinu Parapija)
- St. Anne's Church
- Uzupis
- Vilnius University (Vilniaus Universitetas)
- Presidential Palace
- Vilnius Cathedral (Arkikatedra Bazilika)
- Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (National Museum)
- Gediminas Castle Tower (Gedimino Pilies Bokstas)
- National Museum of Lithuania, New Arsenal
- Money Museum (Pinigu Muziejaus)
- Vilnil Museum of Illusions
- Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (Vilniaus Gynybines Sienos Basteja)
- Church of the Holy Spirit (Sventosios Dvasios Baznycia)
- Subacius Hill
- Gate of Dawn (Ausros Vartai)