Samogitian Museum Alka

Telšių apskritis

Samogitian Museum Alka, located in Telšiai, Lithuania, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the material and spiritual heritage of the Samogitian region. Established in 1932 by the Samogitian Antiquities Society 'Alka', the museum houses over 60,000 artifacts spanning archaeology, ethnography, numismatics, folk art, manuscripts, photography, and fine arts. Its collections include invaluable pieces of professional painting, graphic art, sculpture, and applied arts, many of which originated from Samogitian manors in the early 20th century. The museum is renowned for archaeological materials gathered since 1955, documenting Stone Age camps, settlements, burial sites, and artifacts from various historical periods, including local hillforts and cemeteries. Ethnographic collections highlight traditional farming, crafts, and household items, with unique exhibits of wooden folk sculptures and blacksmithing art such as crosses and chapel suns. The art collection features works by Lithuanian national art school founder Pranciškus Smuglevičius and notable Western European artists. The museum also safeguards important historical documents, including a 1613 map of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, city privileges, and materials related to uprisings and book smugglers. The museum operates a branch, the Samogitian Rural Museum, showcasing authentic 19th-20th century rural architecture and traditional buildings. Architecturally, the main museum building was constructed in 1938, with expansions and renovations completed in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Through exhibitions, research, and educational activities, the museum plays a vital role in promoting the identity and heritage of Samogitia.