Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

Overview

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights occupies the former headquarters of the KGB in Vilnius, preserving the original interrogation rooms, prison cells, and execution chamber. It documents the Soviet and Nazi occupations of Lithuania from 1940 to 1991, focusing on resistance movements, deportations to Siberia, and the partisan war fought after World War II. The museum is one of the most impactful historical experiences in the Baltics.

Highlights

• Prison cells: Original basement cells where political prisoners were held, with inscriptions still visible on the walls.
• Execution chamber: The room where prisoners were shot, preserved in its original state as a stark memorial.
• Partisan resistance exhibition: Stories, photographs, and personal effects of the Forest Brothers who fought guerrilla warfare against Soviet forces.

History

The building at Aukų Street 2a served as the Gestapo headquarters during the Nazi occupation (1941–44) and then as the KGB headquarters from 1944 to 1991. After Lithuanian independence, it was converted into a museum in 1992 to ensure the memory of the occupations and the freedom struggle would endure.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Allow extra time for the basement — the cells and execution chamber are emotionally intense.
• Tip 2: Audio guides are available in multiple languages and highly recommended.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.