Kazys Varnelis House-Museum

Authors

ARCHITECTS – unknown, late 14th–early 15th century
ARCHITECTS OF THE RECONSTRUCTION - Aldona Stiklerienė, Gražina Elena Juknevičienė, 9-10th decades of the 20th century.
Address and directions

Address:
Didžioji g. 26, Senamiestis

How to get there:
Rotušė, Gėlių/Rūdininkų, Užupio
Visiting information

Visiting hours:
2026-05-16 10:00 - 18:00
2026-05-17 10:00 - 18:00

Last tour on Saturday:
17:00

Last tour on Sunday:
17:00

Tours run every:
30 min.

Tour duration:
45 min.

Expected crowd level:
High

Maximum group size:
15

No photography:
Yes

Accessibility

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In the heart of Vilnius Old Town, right next to the Town Hall Square, the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum blends history reminiscent of Gothic and Renaissance eras with modern artistic expression.
The museum consists of two buildings from different historical periods. The first is the Small Guild (Didžioji St. 26) – a Gothic structure, one of the oldest in the square and a contemporary of the first Gothic Town Hall. The second, the Masalskiai House (Didžioji St. 24), represents the Renaissance style in Vilnius.
In both buildings, merchants and members of trade guilds once ran shops and warehouses; taverns bustled in the cellars, and the upper floors served as living quarters.
The vaulted Gothic interiors have been restored in the Small Guild, while the Masalskiai House features living spaces once inhabited by wealthy townspeople of the Renaissance period. Architectural details reflect the construction methods and domestic life of those times.
Since 2001, the museum has showcased the modern works of 20th century émigré artist Kazys Varnelis, along with his personal studio and a collection of antique art, historical furniture, and maps. This is a museum conceived and shaped by a single individual – Kazys Varnelis himself. Contrast, rhythm, and space are the guiding principles of this unique exhibition, highlighting the heritage of historic architecture.