Devil's Museum | Kaunas

Information

Landmark: Devil's Museum
City: Kaunas
Country: Lithuania
Continent: Europe

Devil's Museum, Kaunas, Lithuania, Europe

The Devil's Museum in Kaunas, Lithuania, houses a collection of over 3,000 devil sculptures and carvings from around the world. It is located within the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum complex.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a three-story building with a light-colored facade, characteristic of early 20th-century European architecture. The interior features display cases and pedestals for the diverse collection of devil figures, which vary widely in material, size, and artistic style, including wood, ceramic, and metal.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at V. Putvinskio g. 64, Kaunas, Lithuania. It is approximately 1.5 km South-West from the city center (Old Town). Limited street parking may be available on V. Putvinskio g. or adjacent streets, with paid parking lots accessible within walking distance. Public transport options include bus lines 3, 7, 10, 11, 16, 20, 23, 29, 37, 40, 46, 52, 53, 54, 57, and 68, which stop at "M. K. Čiurlionio muziejus" or "Kauno valstybinė filharmonija" stops, a short walk from the museum.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building itself dates to the early 20th century, originally serving as the home and studio of artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius (1876–1966). The museum was established in 1966, following Žmuidzinavičius's death, to preserve and display his personal collection of devil figures, which he began accumulating in 1906.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can view the extensive collection of devil sculptures, masks, and carvings originating from various cultures. Exploration of the three floors of exhibits reveals figures depicting devils in humorous, frightening, and symbolic forms. The museum offers insight into Lithuanian folklore and international demonology through its displayed artifacts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. The indoor museum provides full shade. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the building. A small cafe may be present within the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum complex, and several cafes and restaurants are located within a 5-minute walk on V. Putvinskio g. and K. Donelaičio g.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings (10:00-12:00) or late afternoons (15:00-17:00) are recommended to avoid potential crowds, particularly during peak tourist season. The indoor environment ensures consistent artificial lighting. The museum is suitable for visiting year-round, though the months of May to September offer generally pleasant weather in Kaunas.

Facts & Legends

The collection includes two figures created by Antanas Žmuidzinavičius depicting Hitler and Stalin as devils, symbolizing the evils of war and totalitarianism. A unique tradition allows visitors to donate their own devil figures to the museum, a practice that has significantly expanded the collection over the years.