A new Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews, also known as the Litvak Museum, is opening its doors to the public on Thursday.
The branch of the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History is located in the former building of the Jewish Gymnasium Tarbut on Pylimo Street in Vilnius.
The Litvak Museum invites visitors to explore the broader cultural heritage of Lithuanian Jews.
“If you take any history textbook, Jews are usually presented through tragedy, the Holocaust, whereas this museum tells a completely different story,” said Simonas Strelcovas, head of the Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History.
“The museum presents what is not in the textbooks – culture, traditions, religion, script, cuisine, games, customs, famous people,” he added.
The museum’s exhibitions will showcase the past and present life of Litvaks, focusing on Jewish everyday life and cultural movements, featuring historical figures and individuals actively contributing to society today.
The branch also houses a museum dedicated to Rafael Chwoles, one of the most prominent 20th-century Litvak artists.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
