To learn more information about the historical development of Lithuania, to consider carefully the different periods of development of the people, and to see the archaeological finds, the national Museum of Lithuania. This is the oldest Museum was opened in 1855, the renowned collector and researcher of culture of Lithuania Eustachian Tyszkiewicz. As soon as the Museum began its work, it became especially popular among Lithuanian citizens, because the Museum focused on the history and culture of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

In the late 19th century in the Museum's Fund has raised over 12 thousand exhibits, including a collection of bronze items and products from various countries, graphics, weapons, local archaeological finds, coats of arms of cities on the Egyptian statuettes, portraits of famous Radville, khreptovichs, Chodkiewicza, Sapieha, Slutsk belts, sculptures 15-18 centuries, ancient manuscripts, Japanese, Chinese and Italian fabrics.

After the events of the uprising of 1863 the main part of Museum objects was sent to Moscow, and the remainder was placed in the Vilnius public library. During 1866 to 1941, the library and the Museum worked in the same building. By 1915 the armies of the Eastern front in the First World war came to Vilna, then the main part of the exhibits was moved to Russia.

In 1918 Lithuania became independent. At this time, based on Museum collections of antiquities, as well as Lithuanian scientific society was planned Museum of history and Ethnography. Director was Jonas Basanavicius, which is one of the first signatories of the instrument of independence of Lithuania. After 1919, the city of Vilnius became part of the Commonwealth, and the organization was included in the Vilnius University. Jonas Basanavicius began work on the collection of the future Museum collection. Only the opening of a cultural monument was delayed because of the occupation of Vilnius by the poles. After a while this work took over and finished the Museum worker and historian Gelinas. First, the Museum had the name: "Lithuanian Museum of history and Ethnography", but later the Museum was renamed and given the name: "national Museum of Lithuania".

In 1941 a collection of all the museums of Vilnius decided to take Academy of Sciences. The Museum became a separate organization only closer to 1952. Then the Museum Director in the Vincas Gelinas. In 1967, the Museum was housed in the building of a New Arsenal of Vilnius castle complex. Already in 1968 it was presented the main exposition. Between 1970s and 1980s all over Lithuania were found and collected many materials related to the history of the country.

All the collection in the Museum is divided and has five unique departments: history, archaeology, iconography, numismatics and Ethnography. At the moment the Museum has more than eight hundred thousand exhibits, among which are: icons, pictures, dishes, tools, medals, ornaments, variety of coins, clothing and many other items. Only in this Museum can be observed over the entire history of Lithuania, starting from the very beginnings of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and ending with the beginning of world war II. Since the very beginnings of Lithuanian history you can delve into the way of life of the Lithuanian people, their everyday life - with all that can be found in the ethnographic Department of the Museum, seeing the traditions and customs of Lithuanians. In this section you can see: the original interiors, household items, as well as great works of Lithuanian artists who so thoroughly convey the way of life of the workers, peasants, artisans, townspeople in various regions of the country and in the various periods of development of.

In addition, still organized the expedition researchers of culture of the Lithuanians, and annual archaeological excavations. The Museum has a restoration hall, which are being restored and preserved approximately half of all Museum exhibits that are recovered in Lithuania.

Every year the Museum is visited by more than 250 thousand people. The Museum offers thematic and sightseeing tours, and 1996 classes designed for educational program "learning".