Lost Shtetl Museum Opens in Lithuania, Offering Deep Dive into Jewish History and Holocaust Education

New Museum Illuminates Lithuanian Jewish Heritage

The Lost Shtetl Museum, a landmark institution dedicated to the rich history of Lithuanian Jewry and Shoah education, officially opened its doors on September 20, 2025, in Šeduva, Lithuania. Described as the largest Jewish history museum in the Baltic states, it offers a profound exploration of the vibrant Jewish communities that once thrived across the region before their tragic annihilation during the Holocaust.

The museum's mission is to preserve the memory of the Jewish shtetls, particularly the community of Šeduva, and to provide comprehensive education on the broader history and massacre of Lithuanian and European Jews.

A Journey Through a Vanished World

Spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, the museum features nine or ten themed galleries designed to immerse visitors in the daily life, culture, and traditions of the shtetl. The exhibition showcases 158 historical objects, including 58 originating directly from Šeduva, alongside multimedia installations, testimonies, and reconstructed environments.

Key exhibits include:

• An Interactive Seduva Town Map, a 1:350 scale marble map with interactive hotspots.
• A 'Waffle Wall' featuring 588 handblown colored glass panels, each representing one of Lithuania's lost Jewish communities.
• A 'Ghost Ark,' a reimagined Torah Ark inspired by the Great Synagogue of Valkininkų, symbolizing vanished religious life.

The museum's architectural design, by renowned Finnish architect Rainer Mahlamäki (Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects), draws inspiration from traditional saddle-roofed buildings, creating a conceptual interpretation of a lost shtetl.

Confronting an Uncomfortable Past

The opening of the Lost Shtetl Museum marks a significant step in Lithuania's efforts to confront its complex history. Dr. Jolanta Mickutė, Head of Education at the museum, stated that 'Lithuania is ready to face the more uncomfortable parts of its history.' She highlighted that discussions about the Holocaust were suppressed during Soviet occupation.

Historically, between 90% and 95% of Lithuania's Jewish population, numbering over 200,000 before World War II, was murdered during the Holocaust, often with the participation of local auxiliaries. The museum's approach includes meticulously reconstructing events and, where possible, identifying perpetrators by name and photograph.

A Space for Remembrance and Education

The museum emerged from initial efforts led by writer Sergejus Kanovičius to preserve the old Jewish cemetery in Šeduva. Funding for the project was provided by a Switzerland-based FSU Education Association, supported by an anonymous descendant of a Jewish family from Šeduva.

For its first year, the Lost Shtetl Museum is offering free admission, guided tours, and educational programs, attracting approximately 2,000 visitors a week. It serves as a vital space for remembrance, learning, and fostering dialogue about a critical period in Lithuanian and Jewish history.