The Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus (Lithuanian Aviation Museum) is located in Kaunas, Lithuania, and is one of the leading aviation museums in the country. It is dedicated to the history of aviation in Lithuania and showcases a rich collection of aircraft, aviation technology, and historical artifacts related to aviation development in the country and beyond. The museum is housed near Kaunas International Airport.
Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus (Lithuanian Aviation Museum)
Veiveriu 132
LT-46338, Kaunas
+370 37 39 03 57
Fax: +370 37 29 55 47
Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
Closed Sundays and holidays
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
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01 LY-APG CCCP-70224 34 06 – 1713 – – – – – – LF-NN 02 LY-HBQ YL-RUTA 0001 007 01 – 172950/LY-GHO LY-GFG 95 04 05 06 12 – 612 LY-SNW – – – – YL-VRK 11 02 03 | Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin
Aero L-39C Albatros Antonov An-2R Antonov An-2R Antonov An-14 Antonov AN-24B Autogyro AK-3 Bronius Oskinis BrO-11 Bronius Oskinis BrO-11M Bronius Oskinis BrO-12 Bronius Oskinis BrO-18 Boruze Bronius Oskinis BrO-20 Pukelis Bronius Oskinis BrO-21 Vyturys Bronius Oskinis BrOK-1M Garnys Grunau Baby 2B Kamov Ka-26 Kamov Ka-26 Lak-4 Ruta Lak-5 Nemunas Lak-11 Nida Lak-12E Lietuva Lak-16M Sirse Let L-13 Blanik Let L-13 Blanik Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PF Mil Mi-2US Mil Mi-2P Mil Mi-2T Mil Mi-8T Monas Hang Glider PZL Mielec TS-11bis B Iskra Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Romo Bekstos RB-17 Antis Ultralight Ultralight T2 Valunas VA-1 Vladus Kensgaila VK-9 Yakolev Yak-18PM Yakolev Yak-50 Yakolev Yak-50 |
The museum’s collection contains more than 16,500 exhibits, including 39 aircraft and gliders as well as a 17,800 volume library.
Key Features of the Lithuanian Aviation Museum:
- Aircraft Collection:
- The Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus boasts a large collection of aircraft that span various eras, from early aviation pioneers to modern aircraft.
- The museum’s collection includes both military and civilian aircraft, with a particular focus on Lithuanian aviation history and the role of Lithuania’s air forces.
- Some of the museum’s most notable aircraft include Soviet-era planes (such as MiG fighters), propeller-driven aircraft, and early flight models used during the interwar period and World War II.
- Lithuanian Aviation History:
- The museum provides detailed exhibits on the history of aviation in Lithuania, starting from the early days of aviation pioneers like Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who made their mark in Lithuanian aviation history.
- Darius and Girėnas are famous for their transatlantic flight in 1933, and their plane, Lituanica, is one of the most significant pieces of Lithuanian aviation heritage.
- Aircraft Types on Display:
- Visitors will find a diverse range of aircraft, including military jets, propeller planes, and helicopters from different time periods.
- The Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus features Soviet military aircraft like the MiG-21, as well as trainer aircraft, bombers, and passenger planes that were important in Lithuania’s aviation history.
- Exhibits on Aviation Pioneers:
- The museum has dedicated sections to Lithuanian aviation pioneers, including Darius and Girėnas, who made significant contributions to the development of aviation in Lithuania and internationally.
- There are various personal artifacts, documents, and photographs related to these pioneers, showcasing their contributions to the field of aviation.
- Aircraft Engines and Aviation Equipment:
- The Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus houses a collection of aviation engines and other technical equipment, such as propellers, cockpit instruments, and aircraft components, to illustrate the development of aviation technology.
- The collection includes engines used in various aircraft, from the early 20th century to modern military jets, offering visitors a closer look at how aviation technology has evolved over the decades.
- Soviet and Post-Soviet Aircraft:
- The museum also has a substantial collection of Soviet-era aircraft, which reflect the time when Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union.
- Notable exhibits include MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets, Antonov cargo planes, and other Soviet-designed aircraft that were part of the Soviet Air Force and air defense systems.
- Projects:
- The museum offers educational programs that cater to different age groups, from schoolchildren to aviation enthusiasts. These programs focus on the history of aviation, the technology behind flight, and Lithuania’s contributions to global aviation.
- Workshops, lectures, and themed exhibitions are regularly organized to engage visitors in various aspects of aviation, including the scientific principles of flight, aircraft technology, and the history of aviation in Lithuania.
- Memorials and Monuments:
- The Lietuvos Aviacijos Muziejus also features memorials to notable figures in Lithuanian aviation history, including Darius and Girėnas, whose flight was a historic achievement. The museum provides a place for visitors to reflect on the accomplishments and sacrifices of Lithuania’s aviation pioneers.
Photos Ruud Boots