Amber has long been a symbol of Eastern Europe. While it's possible to buy raw amber and worked amber at markets and shops in Eastern Europe, some of the most amazing pieces of amber reside in amber museums and amber collections throughout Eastern Europe. This list offers some of the best places to see amber specimens or amber works of art.
1. Palanga Amber Museum in Lithuania
The Palanga Amber Museum is probably the best-known amber museum. It is completely dedicated to amber and has been in operation since the 1960's. The estate of a count was converted into the museum - and now you can see pieces that are remarkable for their beauty, scientific significance, or the workmanship that has given them their final forms. Cultural events are also hosted at the museum.Open Tues.-Sun. (Sept.-May, 11-5; June-Aug., 10-8)
Vytauto Str. 17, LT-5720, Palanga
Tel. 8-236 51319
2. Amber Sculpture Museum
The Amber Sculpture Museum in Vilnius focuses on amber as a medium through art. All of the art pieces in the museum have been crafted by Lithuanian artists from single pieces of amber. Amber jewelry is also on display here. Amber art and jewelry purchases may be made at the Amber Sculpture Museum.Auðros Vartø Str. 9
Vilnius, Lithuania
Tel. 370-5-2121988
3. The Mizgiris' Amber Museum
Also located in Vilnius, and also an amber-as-art-object museum, this amber gallery hosts various amber exhibitions - from the history of its uses to examples of amber inclusions. Also on display are artifacts unearthed at the site of the museum from the 15th century.10-7 Daily
St. Mykolo str. 8, Vilnius, LT-2001, Lithuania
Tel. 370-2 623092
4. Warsaw Amber Collection at the Museum of the Earth, Poland
This museum has one of the world's largest collections of amber and other fossilized plant resins. A more scientific take on amber and other geological artifacts awaits you at this museum.Mon.-Fri. 9-4; Sundays 10-5 (April-Sept.), 10-4 (Oct.-March)
Museum of the Earth of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw
al. Na Skarpie 20/26, 00-488 Warszawa
Tel. +48 22 629 74 97
5. Kaliningrad Amber Museum, Russia
Amber in all its forms can be viewed at this museum. As Kalingrad is the region's biggest producer of amber, you'll also learn about the mining of amber. Points of interests include an all-amber portrait of Lenin and copies of panels from the legendary Amber Room.Tues.-Sun. 10-7
Pl. Vasilevskovo 1
Kaliningrad, Russia
6. The Amber Room at the Catherine Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia
The Amber Room, newly reconstructed in 2003 after disappearing in the confusion that followed WWII, the Catherine Palace's famous Amber Room is made up of amber-decorated panels. Visitors can view the Amber Room but may no longer take pictures.10-6; closed Tues. and the last Monday of every month
7 Sadovaya Str., Pushkin,
St. Petersburg, Russia
