Genocide Victims Museum, Vilnius

This museum is placed in the former KGB administrational building. In the dungeons of this building people were tortued and executed by Russian government. Cells are left as they were found in 1991 after independence. Over 1000 people were executed in dungeons of this building alone during Russian occupation, many more questioned and tortured because they were thought to in support of Lithuanian independence. People were put in here only for simple accusations, etc. Many ended up in mental hospitals or in prison camps in Syberia, where almost a million (one third of nation) of Lithuanians were exiled by Russians.

Ticket costs:
Adults - 2 Litas
Children - 1 Litas
Permition to take pictures - 4 Litas
Permition to film on videotape - 10 Litas
Audioguide (English) - 8 Litas
Excurtion (in Lithuanian) - 15 Litas
Excurtion in other languages - 30 Litas

In September-May, every wednesday tickets are free

Excurtions are led by people who suffered in this prison

For those of us who have luckily never experienced either loss or risk to their freedom, it is worthwhile to visit this museum. The impact of what this nation endured and suffered since 1935 until 1991 will give you cause to reflect on how lucky you have been. True, the cellars still have the padded cell for prisoners who had been broken under interrogation and the 'wet' cells etc but if you have studied the displays upstairs, you will realise that this is not something out of 'James Bond' and why the staircases are covered in mesh. You will also understand why such museums are evident across the Baltic States and how valuable personal freedom is.

Then I was about 12 years old, it was first time I visited this museum with my classmates and teacher. It was so interesting, feelingly we were watching prisons cells and places where people were martyred and there they were killed.

I revisited this museum only about two weeks ago with purpose to see it with more agile intelligence. I was annoyed by KGB attorneys, who martyred and killed Lithuanian partisans and intellectuals without any human sense.

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The dark days of the Soviet occupation come alive at this chilling museum. The exhibits are housed in the actual building where anyone who had rankled the authorities was held, tortured and then either executed or condemned to the gulags.

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I am not too much of a museum goer, but the "Genocide Victims Museum" which is also known as KGB Museum was on my must-visit list from the beginning of our Lithuania trip.

The Museum which is located in the former KGB prison was opened in October 1992.

It tells the story of 50 years of Soviet occupation in Lithuania. It is the only one of its kind in the former Soviet republics.

On the upper floor many displays, presentations and exhibits document the history of the Soviet repression, whereas on the lower floor the original prison cells can be visited. These include tiny isolation cells, punishment rooms and water torture cells where cold water on the floor should keep prisoners awake. A glass floored former execution cell can be seen a bit aside from the prison cells as well.

On the outside of the building some names of the victims have been carved into the stones.

All explanations are available in English. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Directions:
The Genocide Victims Museum is located halfway of the Gedimino Prospektas. The access to the Musum is on Auku gatve 2a.

Address:
Genocide Victims Museum, Auku g. 2a, Vilnius

The genecide museam is situated in the old KGB headquarters and jail. You can wander around it on your own or you can rent some headphones for 12 litas each (more of less 3.50 euros). You would have to have a pretty strong stomach or not be too sensitive as this place is hardcore. You walk around the cells where the prisioners were held and tortured and hear the history and see the photos. Not for the faint hearted. I'm glad I went as I had absolutely no idea what had actually gone on in this place, but I did feel quite upset when I came out. Its just off the main shopping street in the center of Vilnuis near Lukiskiu square

This is an interesting, yet horrifying museum that you shouldn't miss while in Vilnius. It explains the history of Lithuania when it was under the Soviet occupation. The exhibition tells the story of the deportation, the Partisans who fought for the independence of their country and the operation of KGB. There are lots of information both in Lithuanian and English. Downstairs there's the KGB prison where you can see a padded cell (it was creepy) and other horrible looking cells including a former execution room.

The tickets cost 4 Lt.

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A look at the events during the Russian occupation. Lots of information and possible to visit the KGB prison in the basement which has been left unaltered. Section on partizan resistance throughout the country particularly well done.