Museum of Occupations and Freedom Struggles

About

The Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights in Vilnius, Lithuania, stands as a compelling chronicle of the country’s turbulent twentieth‑century past. Housed in the former headquarters of the Soviet KGB, the building itself becomes part of the narrative: its basement‑tunnel prison and execution chambers, once used to hold and murder thousands, are preserved as a haunting reminder of the repression that shook Lithuania throughout its 50‑year occupation. Visitors walk the same corridors where officers once sat, and the museum’s exhibits weave a powerful story of resistance, exile, and survival. The museum’s galleries present an array of documents, photographs, personal belongings, and reproduced rooms that capture the experience of political prisoners, deportees, and the ordinary people who lived under Soviet rule. A prominent section also commemorates the Holocaust in Lithuania, ensuring that all aspects of the era’s tragedies are remembered. The museum’s 2018 renaming—from the Museum of Genocide Victims to the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights—signals its dedication to a balanced, comprehensive portrayal of this critical period in Lithuanian history. Beyond the permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that deepen the exploration of special topics such as the mechanics of political repression, the resistance movements of the Forest Brothers, and the lasting legacy of those who fought for freedom. This institution caters to history enthusiasts, families and travelers seeking to understand the past, and anyone looking for a profound, place‑based experience of the struggles and resilience that shaped modern Lithuania.