Lithuanian Sea Museum
Klaipėdos apskritis
The Lithuanian Sea Museum, located in Klaipėda at the northern tip of the Curonian Spit, is a prominent maritime museum dedicated to marine life and maritime history. Established in 1975 within the historic Kopgalis Fort, the museum combines natural history, marine biology, and cultural heritage. It houses nearly 94,000 exhibits including marine fauna specimens such as mollusk shells, corals, crustaceans, sea birds, fish, and marine mammals. The museum also features archaeological, ethnographic, numismatic, cartographic, and ship technology collections. A key attraction is the dolphinarium, opened in 1994, showcasing live dolphin performances and breeding programs. Visitors can explore aquariums, marine mammal pools, and historical ship exhibits including a restored traditional fishing vessel. The museum offers educational programs and has been a major cultural site drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Its combination of live marine animals, extensive scientific collections, and maritime heritage makes it a unique destination in Lithuania and the Baltic region.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring or summer when the dolphinarium performances are held regularly. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The museum is accessible by public transport from Klaipėda city center. Allocate at least two to three hours to fully enjoy the exhibitions and live shows.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's collection includes nearly 94,000 exhibits, with over 19,700 marine fauna specimens.
- •The dolphinarium opened in 1994 and was the first of its kind in Lithuania.
- •The museum is housed in the historic Kopgalis Fort, originally built in 1866 as a coastal defense structure.
- •In 1982, the museum's creators were awarded the Lithuanian SSR State Prize for their work.
- •The museum's live animal collection includes over 950 individuals, including dolphins, seals, and penguins.
History
The Lithuanian Sea Museum was officially established in 1975 within the restored Kopgalis Fort, a 19th-century coastal fortress.
The fort was renovated starting in 1972 to accommodate aquarium pools and exhibition halls.
The museum opened to the public in 1979, initially showcasing marine collections and live animals such as seals and penguins.
In the 1980s, construction of dedicated pools for marine mammals and a sea lion performance area was completed.
The dolphinarium was constructed between 1987 and 1994, becoming a flagship attraction.
Over the decades, the museum expanded its collections and exhibitions, including ethnographic and ship technology displays.
It underwent a major reconstruction from 2013 to 2017 to modernize facilities.
The museum has played a significant role in marine education and conservation in Lithuania since its inception.
Place Guide
Kopgalis Fort1866
The historic 19th-century fortress housing the museum's main exhibitions, including restored military architecture and maritime displays.
Dolphinarium1994
Opened in 1994, this facility features live dolphin shows, breeding programs, and educational presentations about marine mammals.
Aquariums and Marine Fauna Exhibits
Multiple aquariums and pools displaying Baltic Sea and other marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and sea birds.
Ethnographic Fishermen's Homestead
An open-air exhibit showcasing traditional coastal fishermen's lifestyle and artifacts near the museum grounds.
Historical Fishing Boats Yard1986
An outdoor exhibition area featuring restored traditional fishing vessels, including the VŽT Dubingiai ship.
Contact
Phone: (0-659) 61497
