The Museum of Palanga’s Mayor Jonas Šliūpas is a unique space where history, culture, and art meet. Housed in a villa built by the Tiškevičiai family at the end of the 19th century, the museum invites visitors to explore the life and ideas of Jonas Šliūpas, a prominent figure in Lithuania. Jonas Šliūpas (1861–1944) was a freethinker, a promoter of the Lithuanian cause, and a fighter for Lithuanian identity both in Lithuania and the United States. Although his ideas were often innovative, they did not always align with conservative society, but he remained true to his life’s vision.
At the museum, visitors can explore authentic artifacts, stories of historical figures, and exhibitions by renowned artists. The 2022–2023 renovation improved the building’s energy efficiency, added an exterior elevator for people with disabilities, updated the exhibitions,
and expanded the exhibition spaces. A bust of Jonas Šliūpas, created by sculptors Aloyzas Toleikis and Donatas Lukoševičius, greets visitors at the museum’s entrance.
The museum is open to contemporary discussions and topics, fostering dialogue and respect for differing opinions. It hosts educational programs, creative workshops, tours, and other activities for both students and adults. An exhibition titled "Who Was Afraid of Šliūpas" features comics by Miglė Anušauskaitė that humorously and without heroization reveal the personality of Jonas Šliūpas.
Visitors to the museum will feel the spirit of a progressive and uncompromising individual. The home of Jonas Šliūpas is a meeting place where regional identity issues are explored through creative and cultural practices, and where different generations learn to understand themselves and others.