Lithuania Before Christ (Hall 1)

The oldest findings from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods exhibit flint implements and weapons of the first inhabitants of Lithuania. Palaeogeographic maps reflect the formation of the territory of Lithuania. An impressive reconstruction of a priest tomb from the Mesolithic Period is displayed. Archaeological material from the Neolithic Period related to hunting, housekeeping, fishing, early agriculture, art and religion is also exhibited. The exposition presents an especially big number of findings from Neolithic settlements in Sventoji, the most unique and valuable part of which is comprised of wood, bone and amber articles. All these findings help to recreate human everyday as well as spiritual life. The Late Neolithic Period is represented by impressive pottery of the Baltic Coast culture from the settlement in Nida. The maps of the Baltic Coast culture and the distribution of the Baltic place-names render the history of the formation of the Baltic culture. Also, the exposition reveals Brass and Early Iron Ages.

Lithuania before Establishment of State (Hall 2)

The exhibits cover a span of more than a millennium of the Anno Domini epoch history. The development of human everyday life and lifestyle from the 1^st to the 13^th century is arranged according to different topics, i.e. trade and exchange, agriculture, metallurgy, weaponry, a rider and a horse, spinning and weaving, and pottery. This part of the exposition displays implements, weapons and other household articles from mounds, settlements, and burial grounds.

The ethnic history of the Lithuanian nation is presented by the following Baltic tribes: Lithuanians, Yotvingians-Sudovians, Aukstaitians (Highlanders), Selonians, Semigallians, Samogitians (Lowlanders), Scalvians, Lamatians, and Curonians. The lands inhabited by each of these peoples are marked in the map of the Baltic tribes of the 5^th – 12^th centuries. Ethnic history is shown through the findings from sepulchral structures, and the most typical pieces of jewellery. Several sets of male, female and child grave finds of each tribe are displayed. The exposition is crowned with the map of the Baltic tribes showing the contours of the State of Lithuania during the reign of King Mindaugas.

Clothing reconstructions comprise a separate part of the exhibition. Six “families” have been dressed according to grave finds, and corresponding replicas of jewellery and weapons have been matched to their clothing.