Lithuania national railway museum - Vilnius (Lithuanian Railway Museum)

The Lithuanian National Railway Museum, located in the attic of Vilnius station, is a small and somewhat unusual museum. The exhibits are spread across a series of small rooms, each filled with mirrors and random objects that don’t always seem to connect to the overall theme of railways. For example, one room is dedicated to tunnels, but it’s unclear how it fits into the larger story.

The museum appears to be designed for children, with a focus on simple, playful displays. However, this might disappoint visitors looking for detailed information about the history of Lithuanian railways or the opportunity to see well-preserved trains. The museum lacks in-depth exhibits and the kind of impressive locomotives you might expect in a railway museum.

One of the more engaging parts of the museum is a train simulator, though it requires some effort to figure out how it works, especially without knowing Lithuanian. Once you get it going, it’s a fun experience, but it’s not enough to make up for the museum’s other shortcomings.

Outside, there’s an exhibition of old trains across the tracks. Unfortunately, many of these trains are in poor condition, with little information provided about them. If you’re interested in seeing similar trains in better condition, you might have more luck in Latvia, where they’re still in use.

There are a few interesting pieces in the collection, like a 1958 snowplow train, but overall, the outdoor area feels more like a collection of old, neglected equipment rather than a curated museum exhibit.

In summary, the Lithuanian National Railway Museum has potential but falls short in delivering a comprehensive and engaging experience. With more attention to the exhibits and better preservation of the outdoor collection, it could become a more worthwhile visit. As it stands, it’s an interesting stop, but not one that fully satisfies those interested in railway history.