History of the museum
The museum was opened in 1990. The buildings of the museum are built a few hundred meters from the main observatory of Lithuania. In honor of the 125th anniversary of the Vilnius University Astronomical Observatory (1978), a museum was opened on one of the floors of the telescope tower of the Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, its fund, in addition to the astronomical exhibits (telescopes from the old Vilnius Observatory), included the first ethnographic exhibits. Since for the present embodiment of the ethnocosmological idea other spaces, premises and special buildings were required on a separate hill located several hundred meters from the main observatory, the so-called ''special astronomical pavilion'' (1989) was erected. Together with the museum buildings, the concept and concept of ''ethnocosmology'' was born - the model of the cosmic world created by the ancient Lithuanian people, the system of communication with it and respect for it. Decision of the Presidium of theExposition of the museum
In the architecture of the complex of buildings of the museum the image of the cosmic, world tree is reflected. In the roots of the tree - in the underground gallery rising up the hill - there is an exposition, and on the top of the hill there is a telescope crowning the tower-tree, looking to the sky. The exposition of the museum includes almost everything that is related to cosmology: from ancient meteorological instruments, astronomical and astrological calendars to musical works and works of fine art connected with cosmology. Excursions begin with an inspection of the underground rooms, where the main exposition is located and ends at the viewing platform of the 45-meter-high tower, where you can see the large-scale installations on the museum territory, as well as the landscapes of the lake area.References
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