Museum of Genocide Victims, Vilnius

The Museum of Genocide Victims, located in the heart of Vilnius, Lithuania, stands as a solemn testament to the dark periods of the 20th century when Lithuania was under Soviet occupation. Housed in the former KGB headquarters, the museum provides a poignant look into the harrowing experiences of Lithuanian citizens during these tumultuous times.

The museum's exhibitions are spread across several floors, detailing the various aspects of Soviet repression. Visitors can explore the former KGB prison cells, execution chamber, and the rooms where interrogations took place, offering a stark glimpse into the methods of Soviet secret police. The museum also displays a vast collection of documents, personal items, and photographs that narrate the stories of resistance fighters, political prisoners, and victims of deportation to Siberian gulags.

One of the most impactful experiences is walking through the basement, where the original prison cells have been preserved. Here, the atmosphere is heavy with the memory of those who were detained, tortured, and executed within these walls.

The Museum of Genocide Victims not only focuses on the Soviet era but also touches upon the Nazi occupation during World War II, providing a comprehensive historical context. It is a place of remembrance for the victims and serves as an educational site to ensure that such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated.

Open to visitors throughout the year, the museum offers guided tours in English and Lithuanian, allowing for a deeper understanding of the exhibitions and the historical significance of the site. The museum's mission extends beyond remembrance; it also aims to promote human rights and democratic values in the present day.