By Sophie Van Der Meulen, to Museum Spotlight Europe

The Baltic States are an up-and-coming vacation destination in Europe. For a long time, this region of Europe was overlooked for flashier and sunnier destinations. Although the term “Baltic States” can refer to all countries bordering the Baltic Sea, it is specifically used to mean Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

Even though these countries are relatively young in terms of independence, they certainly don’t lack in history and culture. During the Soviet occupation, the traditional culture of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia was repressed. But since gaining their independence in 1991, there has been a renewed interest and pride in the local heritage.

At first glance, these countries are quite similar, but once you look closer you’ll notice distinct differences in language, architecture, art and culture. The best way to get a first taste of the Baltic States is by visiting each country’s capital. There, the local museums guide you through the richness of the history and art of the Baltics.

Discovering Vilnius

The Lithuanian capital Vilnius is quite a small city by international standards, with a population of just over half a million. The first settlements here date back to the Stone Age, but it didn’t become a city until the 12^th century. Most of what you see in the city today isn’t quite that old, but the old city centre of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town feels a bit like a living museum, filled with Baroque architecture and beautiful churches. The crowning glory of the Old Town is the palace which houses the National Museum the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Inside, you can see reconstructions of the opulent rooms from different periods, Medieval weaponry and archaeological finds.

For a full and comprehensive history of Lithuania, you’ll have to visit the National Museum of Lithuania. As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to different aspects of Lithuanian history and culture. The main venue is in the New Arsenal and focuses on the 20^th century and ethnic culture. Other exhibitions are spread out through the city in several historically significant buildings.

Unfortunately, Lithuanian history has been one of struggle and oppression. From 1944 to 1991, Lithuania was under harsh Soviet occupation. The Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights (previously known as the Genocide Museum) is located in the former KGB headquarters and serves as a tribute to this difficult time. In the basement of the building, you can see the prison as it was during Soviet times when political prisoners were kept there. The other floors of the museum give information about different aspects of the occupation as well as uprisings and the fight for independence.

Before the Second World War, Vilnius had a substantial Jewish population. They made up 45% of the cities inhabitants and built over 110 synagogues. After the war, only one synagogue remained and just over 2000 Jews in the whole of the country. The Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum aims to educate about the history and culture of Lithuanian Jews. The main venue is the Tolerance Center, where you can learn about Jewish life in Lithuania as well as see Jewish art.

Of course, Vilnius also has a few terrific art museums. The National Gallery of Art focuses mostly on contemporary art. Their permanent collections contain pieces by prominent Lithuanian artists from the 20^th century to present day. These works give an insight into the development of culture and society in Lithuania. The permanent collection of the Vilnius Picture Gallery shows art from the 16^th to 19^th centum, beautifully showcased inside a restored palace.

A small but worthwhile museum for fans of modern art is the MO Museum. The exhibitions in this museum are all about modern life in Vilnius and contemporary and experimental art forms. Until 23 February 2020, they show the DNA of Lithuania in the 90s.

Blend of Cultures in Riga

From Vilnius, it takes only four hours to Riga, but the cities are very different. Riga is an old Hanseatic city with an important seaport. The architectural style in Riga is also very different from the other Baltic capitals. The influence of German, Dutch and Scandinavian building styles is clear to see in the UNESCO World Heritage historic city centre. The Hanseatic League made Riga a wealthy city, but unfortunately most of the architecture from that time has not survived. One of the buildings from that time, the famous House of the Blackheads, was rebuilt in the original style and is now a museum. It showcases the history of merchants and guilds in Medieval Riga.

Most notable is the abundance of Art Nouveau buildings in Riga. In fact, it is the largest collection in the world! Riga experienced a financial boom during the late 19^th and early 20^th century when Art Nouveau was at its most popular. The Alberta Iela street has the most beautiful examples of this elegant architectural style. This is also where the Riga Art Nouveau Museum is located.

A third of the Latvian population lives in Riga, making it a hub of art and culture. The most famous art museum in the country is the Latvian National Museum of Art. The permanent collection shows the development of Latvian art from 1780 to 2000. Temporary exhibits highlight the works of prominent  Latvian artist. TheRiga Museum of Foreign Art is affiliated with the National Museum of Art. The different international influences and trade relationships of Latvia have resulted in this museum’s beautiful collection of international art. It was even awarded the European Museum of the Year Award!

Through the ages, Latvia experienced many wars and often found itself occupied by other countries. The Latvian War Museum is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Riga, a 14^th-century tower. The Museum explains Latvia’s military and political history, with a particular focus on the 20^th century. During the 20^th century, Latvia was occupied several times by enemy forces, before finally gaining its independence in 1991. As the name suggests, The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia focusses on the two totalitarian regimes that took over control of the country: the Nazi’s and the Soviet Union. The museum is very informative and engaging and has a second location inside the former KGB offices.

Located 10 km outside of the city, the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum shows what life was like in Latvia during various periods. It is one of the oldest outdoor museums in Europe, established in 1924. This is a fun museum for visitors of all ages as it is both interactive and informative. Here, the Latvian history truly comes to life.

Baroque and Art Nouveau in Tallinn

Where Vilnius boasts Baroque architecture and Riga has Art Nouveau buildings, Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historic city centre was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.

One of the most impressive features is the well-preserved city wall. The Kiek in de Kök and Bastion Passages Museum is located in a renovated defence tower. The exhibitions show the history of Tallinn from its birth through to the 20^th century, with a specific focus on the military history and the Middle Ages. For a broader view of Estonian history, you can visit the Estonian History Museum. The museum encompasses several smaller museums, each focusing on a different aspect of Estonian history and culture. Of these, the Great Guild Hall is a must-visit with its comprehensive exhibition of 11.000 years of Estonian history.

Like Riga, Tallinn also has an open-air museum located just outside the city. At the Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum you can experience ethnic Estonian life and culture, with examples from every part of the country. Estonia has a different culture and language from the other Baltic Countries and is ethnically more similar to Finland. This distinction makes the open-air museum an even more exciting place to visit.

Admirers of Medieval and religious art should visit the Saint Nicholas church, which has been repurposed as an art museum. If you somehow tire of the beautiful Medieval city centre, head out to Kadriorg Park. Kadriorg Park is a beautiful place to go for a stroll and also houses several art museums. The Kadriorg Art Museum, located in the colourful Kadriorg Palace, is the only museum in Estonia dedicated to foreign art. A little further down the park lies the hypermodern building of the KUMU Art Museum. The permanent collection at the KUMU Art Museum shows Estonian art from the 18^th century, while temporary exhibitions focus around different themes. That art can also be a fully immersive experience shows the Monet Klimt display at Helios Hall. Here, visitors become part of 3D renderings of famous art pieces.

For some family-friendly fun, head over to the Seaplane Harbour Museum. This maritime museum is the most popular museum in Estonia because of the interactive exhibitions and impressive models of seaplanes. It is guaranteed to be entertaining for visitors of all ages.

The KGB Museum in Tallinn is something special as well. Located at the top of the Viru Hotel, this is where KGB agents used to spy on foreign visitors. Something that wasn’t discovered until after the hasty departure of the Soviets from Tallinn in 1991. Access to the KGB exhibition of the hotel is only possible through a guided tour.