Adelės ir Pauliaus Galaunių namai🏛 museum
Museum in Kaunas, visits by appointment only at +370 37 798 995.
🌐 ciurlionis.lt🕒 Tu-Sa 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-19:00
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Sugihara House
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
Sugihara House in Kaunas is a site of profound historical significance, now operating as a museum dedicated to the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara. Within this building, which served as the Japanese consulate in 1940, Sugihara saved thousands of Jewish refugees by issuing transit visas against his government's orders, enabling their escape through Japan. The structure is a modest two-story interwar villa, characteristic of the architecture in Kaunas during its tenure as Lithuania's temporary capital. The museum's exhibits include original documents, photographs, and the reconstructed office where the 'visas for life' were signed under extreme time pressure. It stands as a powerful symbol of humanity and moral courage, honoring an individual's defiance of wartime atrocities. Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world, particularly Japan and Israel, visit the house to pay tribute to Sugihara's legacy. The museum also plays a vital role in education regarding Holocaust history and the importance of diplomatic bravery.
- Location: Lithuania
- Top sights: Adelės ir Pauliaus Galaunių namai · Kauno miesto muziejaus padalinys M. ir K. Petrauskų namai · Vytautas Park
- Nearby: Garliava (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 16 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 7 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 45 | 46 | 44 | 65 | 81 | 99 | 87 | 56 | 70 | 60 | 57 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Sugihara House is a museum, typically open Tuesday through Sunday. The interior of the former Japanese consulate is open for visits.
Typical hours
The museum usually opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Sundays until 3 p.m. Exact hours are on the official website or can be inquired locally.
Photography
Photography inside is allowed without flash, but may be restricted in some exhibition rooms. Please follow the signage.
Time needed
A museum visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour, if you carefully view the exhibits and memorial. Allow extra time for the garden.
Combine with
Sugihara House is in the Žvėrynas district, near St. Michael's Church and Vingis Park. Combine the visit with a walk along the Neris River.
Getting there
From central Vilnius, take bus 2 or 4 to „Žvėryno g.” stop. On foot from the station it is about 30 minutes.
Insider tip
Before your visit, watch the short film about Chiune Sugihara on the upper floor - it conveys the moving story powerfully. The inner courtyard garden invites quiet reflection.
Geography
Facts
- Chiune Sugihara issued the transit visas between July and August 1940.
- It is estimated that his actions saved the lives of over 6,000 people.
- The building served as the official Japanese consulate from 1939 to 1940.
- The Sugihara House museum was officially opened to the public in 1999.
- Sugihara was honored as 'Righteous Among the Nations' by Yad Vashem in 1984.
- The diplomat's office has been faithfully reconstructed based on historical photographs.
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Sights in the town Sugihara House (10)
Kauno miesto muziejaus padalinys M. ir K. Petrauskų namai🏛 museum
Branch of Kaunas City Museum in the Petrauskas family home.
🌐 kaunomuziejus.lt🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa 10:00-17:00
Kauno paveikslų galerija🏛 museum
Art museum in Lithuania featuring a collection of Lithuanian paintings.
Kauko fontanas
Fountain in Kaunas, a popular meeting spot.
Kaunas mosque
Mosque in Lithuania, an Islamic place of worship in Kaunas.
Dainų slėnis
Open-air stage in Kaunas for concerts and festivals.
Oak Grove
Oak wood park in Kaunas, Lithuania, with old trees.
St. Michael the Archangel Church
Church in Kaunas, Lithuania, a place of worship.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who was Chiune Sugihara?
A Japanese diplomat who saved the lives of thousands of Jews by issuing transit visas.
Where is Sugihara House located?
In the Žaliakalnis district of Kaunas, in the former building of the Japanese consulate.
What can be seen in the museum?
Sugihara's office, original documents, photos, and films about the rescue mission.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
About 1 to 1.5 hours are sufficient to see the exhibition and the documentary.
Are there guided tours in English?
Yes, staff often speak English, and there are English informational materials available.
Sugihara House: where is it located?
Sugihara House is located in Lithuania.
Sugihara House: what is there to see?
Highlights include Adelės ir Pauliaus Galaunių namai, Kauno miesto muziejaus padalinys M. ir K. Petrauskų namai, Vytautas Park.
Sugihara House: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sugihara House: why is it worth visiting?
Sugihara House in Kaunas is a site of profound historical significance, now operating as a museum dedicated to the Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara.
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