Museum

THE MUSEUM OF THE CULTURAL CENTER OF MATTHEW CASIMIR SARBIEVIUS

In 2008, Kražiai College was restored and Cultural Center of Matthew Casimir Sarbievius set up there. Now it is a multi-functional cultural institution, housing the library, museum, art gallery, conference room, tourism information center and accommodation service.

In the museum you can get more information about the history of Kražiai town and the College established by Jesuits.

Museum expositions:

• URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF KRAŽIAI TOWN

Here discloses prehistory of Kražiai, urban development of the town, it‘s expansion, the formation of streets, the history of main town buildings. All that is seen from various schemes and photos of town buildings and plots. Also here are exposed some archaeological artefacts from various periods.

• JESUIT COLLEGE IN KRAŽIAI (1616–1773)

Here discloses the period of Jesuit College in Kražiai. The built-up area of 18th century College is seen from Kražiai Jesuit College plan, which was noted in 1747 at it‘s flourishing times. The main buildings of the former Jesuit College ensemble are now recreated in 3D. Also here are exposed unique archaeological artefacts from the former Kražiai College – floor tiles, bricks with master signs, glazed tiles with the name of J. K. Chodkevičius (the foundator of Kražiai College) and Jesus Christ monogram, the lock with the key from former Jesuit College church, etc.

• THE DEVELOPMENT OF KRAŽIAI SCHOOL (1773–1844)

Here discloses the period of Kražiai gymnasium. It was known as a very high academic level school, in which famous personalities taught (Motiejus Valančius) and studied (Simonas Stanevičius, Antanas Strazdas, L. A. Jucevičius, J. Pliateris, etc.).

• THE PARISH OF KRAŽIAI: CHURCHES AND MONASTERY. THE KRAŽIAI SLAUGHTERY (1893)

Here discloses the history of Kražiai parish – the history of Kražiai churches and monastery. Inseparably goes one of the most horrible timing in Kražiai and whole Lithuania history, known as Kražiai Slaughtery. Here is exposed the casualty list and the photos of Kražiai Slaughtery participants.

• KNIGHTS CROSS OF THE ORDER OF JOTVINGIAI (1487–2010)

Here discloses the history of the Knights Cross of the Order of Jotvingiai, which was founded in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was noble Lithuanian families who left the Jotvingiai land, united by their ancient traditions. The order was reunited in 2003. The whole history and mysteries of the Order are laid in the impressive iron book.

• THE LIBRARY OF CHARLOTTE GRAFIN NARKIEWICZ-LAINE

Christian Narkiewicz-Laine is the citizen of Lithuania and Finland, the descendant from his mother side of the nobles of Narkiewicz-Kaciucewicz and Radziwill families, which came from Kražiai. He is now considered one of the most influential poets in Scandinavia and one of the leaders of Finland conceptual and contemporary arts.

In 2008, Christian Narkiewicz-Laine donated the collection of his mothers books and music records to the cultural center. In 2014, Kražiai received other gifts from his own collection – paintings, photos, household things, candle-sticks, etc.

Museum opening hours:

Monday – Friday, 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (Septmeber 1 – May 31)

Tuesday – Saturday, 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. (June 1 – August 31)

Prices in the museum:

	Service	Unit	Price	Notes
1.	Museum visiting	1 person	2,00 Eur	50 % discount for students, military men, pensionary
2.	Photographing and/or filming the exhibits in museum stock for commercial purposes or personal feasts	1 hour	30,00 Eur
3.	Photographing and/or filming the exhibits in museum stock	1 exhibit	2,90 Eur 29,00 Eur	for scientific purpose for publishing
4.	The consultation of museum specialists, the search of information	1 hour	5,79 Eur
5.	Educational programs	1 person	2,00–5,00 Eur	50 % discount for students, military men, pensionary