Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology

Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology is one of the mostly visited places in Lithuania by the tourists from abroad. It was established in Molėtai district, near Kulioniai village, a little farther from Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, close to the mound. Museum of Ethnocosmology is also called astronomical pavilion of special purpose, since its three constitutive parts – underground gallery with five halls, observation tower with a telescope and an outer exhibition create an impression of a powerful construction.

The purpose of this location with scientific purpose is not only to collect information about the humanity’s relationship with the cosmic world, but also to provide educational services. It also holds tours and lectures during which the images of space are shown, captured with photo cameras of the most advanced telescopes.

The second part of the museum is an observation tower with the observation site, situated at the height of 32 meters. From this deck, you can observe both the stars and the surroundings. In the impressive glass dome, you can see the view to as much as six lakes of the Highlands and Labanoras Forest. However, you can also see stars and constellations! In case you want to gaze at the vault of the night, you are invited to come to the night programmes, during which the celestial objects are observed through the 40 cm diameter telescope.

The outer exhibition is also very impressive, as it contains a model of solar system, made of stone. The rays of sun indicate the countries in the world, equinox and solstice. Nearby, you can find a two-meter-high forged sundial and models of the planets. This sundial in the Museum of Ethnocosmology is the biggest forged handmade spatial sundial in Lithuania, reminding that a long time ago people had understood that the length of an opaque shadow of the body and its position in the space, depends on the sun’s position in the sky.

The village, where the museum is situated, is surrounded by Želva Lake from the three sides, so when visiting this in the summer, you will be able to go swimming in the clear water and later to dive into the cosmos and to feel the experience of infinity as well as the breathing universe.

Let the time for discoveries begin!