The Sea Museum in Klaipeda is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Republic of Lithuania. With its mission statement of exploring, enjoying and preserving harmony with the sea, the museum is a truly family-friendly institution that is both fun and educational at the same time.

Location and How to Get There

The Lithuanian Sea Museum is located at the town of Smiltyne in Klaipeda, Lithuania. One can get to Smiltyne by ferry through either the Old Ferry Terminal, which is 1,800 m from the museum, or the New Ferry Terminal, which is 7 km away. During the summertime, there is a mini-train that runs from the Old Ferry Terminal to the Sea Museum, as well as a horse-driven coach. Also in the summer season are passenger boats to the museum, departing from the River Dane near the Old Ferry Terminal. For those traveling by car or buses, there is a free parking lot next to the museum, which accommodates 70 cars and 8 buses.

What to See There

Among the main attractions in the Lithuanian Sea Museum is its Aquarium, which boasts of 33 tanks exhibiting 40 species of fish from the rivers and lakes of Lithuania, as well as from the Baltic Sea and both fresh and tropical waters. Another popular attraction is the Dolphinarium, a massive arena that showcases amazing performances by trained dolphins and sea lions. The museum also has expositions devoted to sea mammals such as seals, and sea birds, mainly penguins. But aside from marine animals, the Sea Museum also features the Exposition on the History of Navigation, which documents the developments in Lithuanian maritime travel throughout the ages.

History

The building that currently houses the Lithuanian Sea Museum was originally the Nerija fort, a sea fortress that had been built during the latter half of the 19th century. The fortress was partly destroyed in the end of World War 2, but would later be restored from 1973 to 1979. It was during this period that the Klaipeda Sea Museum was founded on October 1, 1975. The restored Nerija fort officially opened as the Lithuanian Sea Museum on July 28, 1979.

Cost

The admission price into the Lithuanian Sea Museum varies according to period. Adults are charged 10 LT (Litas) during the months of May and September to April, and 12 LT from June to August. Children from 4 years old above, as well as students and retired citizens of the EU (European Union) get in for 5 LT during May and September to April, and 6 LT from June to August.

Other Info

The opening hours of the Lithuanian Sea Museum also change periodically. From April 18 to May 31 and September 1 to October 12, the museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. In June and August 18 to 31, it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. From July 1 to August 17, it likewise opens Tuesday to Sunday, but from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. From October 13 to April 18, it is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on the holidays of January 1, November 1, and December 25..