In the beginning of the 20th century few progressive local farmers generated an idea to establish museum in order to preserve exhibits of folk art in it.
The intention was realized in 1933, and museum called “Village” was opened in Vaičaičio Street. An agronomist K. Bajoras was the first director of the museum. In 1964 he relocated museum to the building in 29, Vytauto Street.
The current building of the Local Lore Museum is the 19th century Neo-Classic establishment, which borders with the interwar period court house. Inside, partially preserved old decoration elements: furnace, rosettes, cornices. From the middle of the 19th century until 1964 the County Board was based there.
Permanent expositions of the museum: "Nation's spirit" (was opened in 2001), "City by Šešupė" (was opened in 2008), "Life and Being in the 20th Century" (was opened in 2015).They exhibit the prehistory of Sūduva and the spiritual treasury of the nation.
The expositions presents history of the city of Marijampolė(starting with the origins). Through traditional crafts, interwar fashion and the Soviet-era household the 20th century is revealed.
There is "Saulėratis" gallery in the museum. There is arranging Sūduva territory and the whole Lithuanian's folk artists and various areas professional artists’ works exhibitions and exhibitions concerning a particular subject different state and calendar festivals occasions, books' presentation, educational lessons, other events.
The museum has two subdivisions: V. Mykolaitis-Putinas memorial museum, Tauras district museum of partisans and exile.
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