On January 18, 2024, the Museum of Lithuanian Jewish Culture and Identity opened in Vilnius, known informally as the Litvak Museum. Housed in the former building of the Jewish gymnasium "Tarbut" on Pylimo Street 4A, it is the largest branch of the Vilnius Gaon Jewish History Museum. The museum is the first in Lithuania to comprehensively showcase the history, culture, customs, and everyday life of Lithuanian Jews. Notable exhibits include works by Lithuanian Jewish artist Raphael Chvoles.
The four-story building features 17 modern design exhibitions, with the first floor dedicated to visitor services and educational activities. The exposition covers the events and phenomena shaping the culture, identity, and daily life of Lithuanian Jews, including religious texts, the Yiddish language, and historical attitudes.
The exhibition also highlights Ludwik Zamenhof, the creator of Esperanto, and explores the linguistic interactions between Lithuanians and Jews. Overall, the museum aims to present a different narrative, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Lithuanian Jews.
