If you ask me — someone who’s spent years guiding visitors through Lithuania’s hidden gems — the Palanga Amber Museum isn’t just a place to see beautiful stones. It’s a window into the heart of Lithuania’s natural story and artistry.

Origins Room: Where Amber’s Story Begins

Your visit usually starts with the Origins Room, where you’ll see rough chunks of golden amber just as they were found on the Baltic shores. Here, panels explain how sticky pine resin from ancient forests turned into this “Baltic gold.” There’s even a short video you can watch that shows the whole journey from tree sap to polished gem.

The “Inclusions Hall”: Tiny Worlds Frozen in Time

One of the parts I personally love is the section full of amber inclusions. Around half of the museum’s pieces contain something trapped inside — flies, ants, tiny leaves, even ancient feathers. You’ll find magnifying displays that make it feel like you’re peering back millions of years.

There’s also an area where kids — or curious adults — can try simple microscopes to examine how clear or cloudy the amber is, and spot the tiniest insects.

The Famous Sun Stone & Other Rare Pieces

Don’t leave without seeing the Sun Stone — it’s the crown jewel here, weighing about 3.5 kg. But look around carefully: the museum has other unique pieces too, like amber that’s almost jet-black, or milky white “bone amber” — rarer finds that show how different conditions in the forest shaped each piece.

Historic Amber Jewelry and Sacred Items

You’ll move into a hall that feels almost like a treasure vault: rings, crosses, rosaries, amulets, buttons — some dating back hundreds of years. I always tell my guests: imagine how many people in Europe and Russia wore these charms for protection and luck!

One corner highlights decorative household items: boxes, pipes, cigarette holders — everyday things that were once luxury items made from this ancient stone.

Modern Amber Art

Don’t miss the modern collection. Contemporary Lithuanian artists take Baltic amber and turn it into bold, sometimes abstract jewelry and sculptures. You’ll see how artists like Horstas Taleikis and others shape ancient resin into modern design — proof that amber is timeless.

Interactive and Educational Touchpoints

To keep things engaging, there are touch-friendly exhibits about the Amber Road, the old trade route connecting the Baltics to the Mediterranean. You’ll see old trade maps, ancient tools, and examples of how amber was exchanged for silk, spices, or precious metals.

You’ll also find local folklore woven in — stories of the sea goddess Jūratė, who lived in an amber palace under the Baltic Sea. Small myth displays and short videos bring these legends to life.

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum’s small chapel hosts seasonal exhibitions — from classic jewelry design to local artists experimenting with amber and other natural materials. Even if you’ve visited before, this space always surprises you with something new.

Don’t Miss: The Palace Details & Park View

Look up! The building itself is worth admiring — check the intricate staircases, painted ceilings, and big windows overlooking the peaceful Botanical Park. When you’re done inside, step out onto the terrace. The manicured lawns and pathways make a perfect backdrop for a break or a picnic.

Insider Tip from Your Guide

Pro Tip: Ask the staff about their favorite pieces. Many guides here are local experts and love sharing extra facts — like the stories of stolen pieces recovered after the war, or local divers who still find rare amber washed up on Lithuania’s shores today.

Why It’s Worth It

For anyone booking Lithuania guided tours, this stop adds depth to your trip. It’s a chance to hold a piece of ancient forest in your hand — and understand why Lithuanians treasure amber so deeply. If you’re planning tailor-made vacations to Lithuania, make this a priority stop.