- Place
- Kaunas City Municipality
- Region
- Kaunas
- Type
- composer's memorial house and garden
- Address
- 18 Salako Street, Kaunas
- Coordinates
- 54.91529, 23.91398
- Visit duration
- 45-75 minutes; longer for an educational session or garden event
- Best time
- spring or summer, when the memorial display can be understood together with the garden
Juozas and Stasė Gruodis House, J. Gruodis House
A 1932 house beside Eiguliai Hillfort
During land reform in 1930, Juozas Gruodis was offered a plot in recognition of his contribution to Lithuanian culture. By 1932 a two-storey wooden house resembling a small Lithuanian manor stood here.
Its position beside a green slope and Eiguliai Hillfort, rather than on a ceremonial central street, matters. Garden and landform explain the quieter life the family made away from urban noise.
Composer, teacher, and builder of a conservatory
Gruodis was a composer, conductor, organist, and teacher who helped shape Lithuania's professional music school. He led Kaunas Music School and became director when it developed into the country's first conservatory.
The display reaches beyond scores. Personal belongings, letters, photographs, and gifted artworks reveal the educational environment and relationships behind emerging musical institutions.
Stasė Gruodienė and the making of the museum
Stasė Gruodienė was not a passive custodian. After her husband's death she preserved the house, furniture, archive, and memory of daily life, which is why this can meaningfully be called the home of both Juozas and Stasė.
The first display opened in 1969. It was renewed in 1994 with previously unpublished archival material and again in 2014, when both spouses' personal stories received more room.
Garden, education, and current visiting
Gruodis took an interest in the garden plan, and the grounds now support education and community events. Museum activities cover his music, song recognition, domestic sociability, and garden discovery.
On 22 July 2026, hours were Tuesday-Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturday 10:00-17:00. Tickets stopped 30 minutes before closing. Confirm exceptions, current displays, and prices before travelling.
