MUSEUM OF KRETINGA

 

THE MOST VALUABLE MATERIAL and spiritual cultural treasures of Kretinga and the surrounding areas are preserved in the Museum of Kretinga.

At the beginning, the main fund was made up of the founder’s personal collection. 

The first exhibition was held in July 12, 1935.

For a long time the museum was located in a small one-storied house.

In 1977 the largest and most complete exhibition was opened in the newly restored early XVII century architectural monument–the Franciscan monastery building.

In 1992 the museum was moved to the count Tiskevicius’ estate in Kretinga, which was built in the XIX century.

In the fifty years of its existence some 36,700 exhibits were collected. Curators I. Jablonskis and J. Mickevicius were especially involved in the preservation of our country’s cultural inheritance.

The museum in Kretinga is located near such mayor tourist centers as Klaipeda and Palanga. Travelers always have a possibility to visit this historical estate. In the glass-enclosed premises, exotic plants from all over the world grow and blossom, in the halls throughout. The estate’s interior has been fully restored. Visitors can see unique archeological finds , old wooden sculpture and paintings.

The XIX–XX century park surrounding the estate was known as one of the most beautiful parks in western Lithuania. It is visited by a lot of visitors.

The romantic traveler will have a chance to walk among hundred-years-old oaks or lime tree and chestnut alleys, to go for a walk around the lake, and to ponder by the Stone of Love.

In the winter garden, there is a bar called „Pas Grafa”. Its unique environment, music, flowing cascades leave an ever lasting impression.

The administration of the museum is doing everything to bring back the previous beauty of the estate and the park in Kretinga. 

Some displays from the Kretinga Museum

© Samogitian Cultural Association Editorial  Board, 1998-2000 Page updated 2003.05.15 . Comments to: samogit@delfi.lt