The sign outside reads that between 1940 and 1991 this building housed the representative institutions of the NKVD and KGB, and, accordingly, the exhibits inside relate almost exclusively to the period of oppression and the so-called genocide of the Lithuanian people by the Communist regime. Understandably a must-see part of any trip to Vilnius for people wishing to understand this often bleak and violent period in the country’s history, what the sign fails to point out is that between 1941 and 1944 the building was controlled by the Gestapo, whose role in the systematic murder of the vast majority of the city’s Jewish population with the willing participation of many ethnic Lithuanians is, somewhat bizarrely, almost completely overlooked, although the recent addition of a room dedicated to just this issue is a welcome addition. Controversy aside, as a testament to the suffering endured by the ethnic Lithuanians, especially under the lunacy of Stalin, the place is a must-see for any visitor to Vilnius.
Martin 23 December 2011 Was very moving. I'm not big into museums and came upon this by accident but this was really very interesting and shed light on a subject most outside Lithuania know very little about. It's housed in the former KGB detention centre a very worthwhile visit. If you're at all an emotional person (as I am) then be prepared. Very glad I saw it.
Ian
-
Edinburgh 23 May 2008 Vital visit. Quietened a group of unruly teenagers as effectively as Dachau! Required to understand war of any temperature and occupation to any degree!
Was very moving. I'm not big into museums and came upon this by accident but this was really very interesting and shed light on a subject most outside Lithuania know very little about. It's housed in the former KGB detention centre a very worthwhile visit. If you're at all an emotional person (as I am) then be prepared. Very glad I saw it.
Vital visit. Quietened a group of unruly teenagers as effectively as Dachau! Required to understand war of any temperature and occupation to any degree!