Kazys Varnelis House-Museum
A surprising gem in Vilnius, this museum showcases the unique geometric art of Kazys Varnelis, Goya's gravures, and textile exhibitions.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More guided tour options
Kazys Varnelis House-Museum
Best Time
More guided tour options

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A surprising gem in Vilnius, this museum showcases the unique geometric art of Kazys Varnelis, Goya's gravures, and textile exhibitions.
"One of the best hidden gems in Vilnius for visual art lovers!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a richer experience! Check website for times & book ahead. :ticket:
💰 Inexpensive Admission
One of the best hidden gems, surprisingly affordable for the quality. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Geometric Abstractions
First Floor
Explore Varnelis' distinctive style of optical and 3D illusions based on geometric forms.
Goya's Gravures
Second Floor
Discover the captivating and often dark world of Francisco Goya's etchings.

Ethnographic Op Art Exhibition
Exhibition Space
Experience 'Radiating Squares,' a film and exhibition exploring traditional Lithuanian textiles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Guided Tour
Embrace the Unexpected
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a richer experience! Check website for times & book ahead.
:ticket:💰 Inexpensive Admission
One of the best hidden gems, surprisingly affordable for the quality.
:moneybag:🐈 Cat Treats Accepted
Donations are welcome, including cat treats for the resident feline!
:heart:🗺️ Explore Both Floors
Discover modern art upstairs and Goya's gravures and textiles downstairs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a richer experience! Check website for times & book ahead.
:ticket:💰 Inexpensive Admission
One of the best hidden gems, surprisingly affordable for the quality.
:moneybag:🐈 Cat Treats Accepted
Donations are welcome, including cat treats for the resident feline!
:heart:🗺️ Explore Both Floors
Discover modern art upstairs and Goya's gravures and textiles downstairs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum, often calling it a 'hidden gem' and a 'surprising' and 'impressive' experience. The passionate guides are frequently praised for bringing the art and history to life, making guided tours a must-do. The museum's diverse collection, from modern geometric art to Goya's gravures and textiles, offers something for various tastes, all at an incredibly affordable price.
"Impressive museum, way bigger than I expected. Guide is a must, totally different experience! Check for guided tour times on website and book in advance."
Henrikas
"A quirky little museum, I found Goya's gravures the most interesting. The first floor has modern geometrical art, the second floor has some stained glass work and video about the artist in Lithuanian."
Tanya Bond
"One of the most surprising museums i ever visited! A big hurray for the extremely passionate staff that frantically presented the art and history, directly from the heart. Very appreciated."
Erik K. Brunnegård
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Didžioji g. 26, Vilnius. It's accessible by public transport within the city center. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from other central attractions.
Street parking may be available in the vicinity, but it can be limited and metered in Vilnius's old town. Public transport or walking is often a more convenient option.
Yes, the museum is situated in the heart of Vilnius, making it easily walkable from many points of interest in the Old Town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the museum's official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors mention visiting on Sundays.
Admission is surprisingly inexpensive, making it a great value for art lovers.
Some visitors even mention that admission is free but donations are accepted.While not always mandatory, booking tickets or at least checking for guided tour times in advance is highly recommended, especially if you want to experience the museum with a guide.
Yes, guided tours are highly praised by visitors for providing a deeper understanding of the artist and his works. It's recommended to book these in advance.
Information on accessibility can be limited online. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility features. The museum is spread across multiple floors.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection, including modern geometric art, optical illusions, Goya's gravures, stained glass, and works by Kazys Varnelis himself, who was influenced by constructivism and minimalism.
The museum's art can be thought-provoking. While there isn't specific children's programming, the unique exhibits might capture the interest of older children or teens interested in art and design.
To fully appreciate the collection and potentially take a guided tour, plan for at least 1-2 hours. Some visitors find the museum larger than expected.
This exhibition, often featuring 'Radiating Squares,' showcases traditional Lithuanian textiles and their connection to optical art, offering a unique cultural and artistic perspective.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions or ask staff upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a cafe or restaurant. However, being located in Vilnius's city center, there are numerous cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
It's standard museum etiquette to refrain from eating or drinking inside exhibition spaces. There are likely cafes nearby where you can enjoy refreshments before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The geometric art installations and the unique interior design offer great photographic opportunities. The 'Ethnographic Op Art' exhibition also provides visually interesting subjects.
It's generally recommended to avoid using flash photography in museums to protect the artworks. Always check for signage or ask museum staff if unsure.
Varnelis's optical illusion pieces and the intricate details of the traditional textiles in the 'Ethnographic Op Art' exhibition are often highlighted for their visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Aesthetes
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Kazys Varnelis
Key influences on Varnelis's work include constructivism and minimalism. He masterfully combined these movements to create art that plays with perception, often resulting in visually striking and engaging pieces. His art has been recognized internationally, with works held in prestigious institutions like the Guggenheim Museum NYC and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Visitors often express surprise at the depth and quality of Varnelis's oeuvre, with some comparing his work favorably to that of art world giants like Kazimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian. The House-Museum provides an intimate setting to explore his artistic journey and appreciate his unique contribution to abstract and optical art.
Experiencing the Guided Tour
It's recommended to check the museum's website for guided tour schedules and book in advance, as they are popular and can fill up. The guides often share insights directly from the heart, making the experience feel personal and memorable. This immersive approach transforms a visit from a casual viewing into an engaging educational journey, revealing the 'hidden gem' quality of the museum.
Beyond Varnelis's own art, the guided tour can also shed light on other significant pieces within the museum, such as Goya's gravures and the contemporary 'Ethnographic Op Art' exhibitions. The passionate delivery of information by the guides is frequently cited as a key factor in making the museum a truly surprising and impressive destination.
The 'Ethnographic Op Art' Exhibition
Visitors can expect to see traditional Lithuanian textiles presented in a contemporary artistic context. The exhibition aims to bridge the gap between historical craft and modern artistic expression, showcasing how age-old patterns and weaving techniques can inspire and inform optical art. This offers a unique cultural perspective, highlighting the artistic value found in traditional crafts.
The 'Radiating Squares' film, a key component of the exhibition, further enhances the visitor experience by visually interpreting these textiles through an op art lens. It's a testament to the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse forms of art and culture, from Varnelis's own abstract works to traditional crafts and contemporary film.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit