The National Museum of Lithuania is located at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, where the Vilnius castle compound was established centuries ago. During the 16th century, the New Arsenal was the private residence of Sigismund Augustus, Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland, built by Benedykt Sandomierzanin from Krakow. Legend has it that Sigismund Augustus built this lavish residence with its gardens, ponds and swans to gain the favour of his future wife, Barbara Radziwiłł, after whose death the palace lost its exclusive status.

When Lithuania became a part of Tsar Russia in the 18th century, New Arsenal was used to store the military's artillery and continued to be used for military purposes until and following the Second World War. The National Museum of Lithuania was established in the New Arsenal opened publicly in 1968. Here you will find exhibits that go beyond the history of the Lithuanian state. Visitors can view ethnic artefacts from Lithuania that relate to Lithuanian peasants' customs and way of life and the period from the 18th century to the first half of the 20th century.