stalin world / grutas park

Interesting place to see, very different than others. Don't know any park similar to this. It's all about Russian society Union, exhibition of monuments used to be all around Lithuanian cities when country was occupied by Russia. I was not very interested but my mum and aunt were really exited, everything remind their childhood. So recommend to everyone over 40s.

This attraction has to be on every traveler's "MUST VISIT" list. The attraction is situated in Grutas, a village right before Druskininkai. The park boasts a nice collection of Soviet sculptures, WWII machinery as well as the indoor exhibition of Soviet items like paintings, books. The attraction has a Souvenir shop as well as the "Soviet" restaurant, where you can taste most popular Soviet dishes. The part has an area devoted to children: playing yard [Luna Park] and a mini Zoo. I would advise you to visit this attraction only with a good weather outside. The entrance fees differ. There are discounts for children, teens and elder people. All information can be found here:http://www.grutoparkas.lt/?lang=gb i hope you will enjoy your trip.

Gruto parkas is a unique place in eastern Europe to see all symbols of communism. All status are providing insights of how was the life during the soviet time. There is also the possibility to order traditional food and drinks. So far, I've been 5 times in the park and it's always interesting to see it.

From the moment the surly ticket kiosk attendant allows your admission to the park, to when you're face-to-face with a seven foot emu within the suspicious eyesight from the park's security guard you're instantly immersed into the wonderful world of Soviet Lithuania.If you visit in January, the snowfall and crunch of powder beneath your feet is beautifully accompanied by the haunting melodies of the Russian music of the communist era.It's not all depressing flashbacks to a bygone and shameful past, however, there are emus, lots of birds, and a bear.There are Soviet souvenirs and gifts to be had, and, if you're lucky, you'll get to return to the park later in the day if, like in our experience, the shop attendant was on her lunch break without a replacement.All in all, it's a fascinating place which is as peculiar as it is educational.

Visiting Lithuania go to Druskinkai and take the spa and relax, the day after visit Gruta Park were they show you how life used to be back in the old days, All these leaders showing them self to the world now gives you ice cold feelings and makes you realize how good life is for us while we live in Freedom.I give this park a 10 and believe its a must see.

This is a really odd open air museum- worth a visit to see the true cruelty of a Soviet regime, which required total commitment to the status quo. It is a combination of mini zoo (conditions for some animals was poor), statues of Stalin, Lenin, Marx, and Lithuanian communist collaborators, old soviet weaponry, and the human cattle trucks which deported Lithuanians to Siberia. There are models of the gulag guard post raised sentry box dotted through the woods. The path winds through the forest and you need a good guide to explain the relevance of each statue, and point on the tour- particularly the lottery train. There are ponds along the route-ideal breeding ground for mosquitos and midges, so if you go there in heat smother yourself in insect repellent. Rather tacky souvenir shops are dotted through the park.

Many countries that were released from the love and tender care from the Soviet occupants have, after the collapse of the USSR and the fall of the Iron Curtain in the early 1990th, destroyed all political statues and other remnants of their Soviet occupants. In Grūto Parkas Lithuania has gathered up a lot of these political statues, that earlier disfigure streets and squares in many towns and villages, to this far away museum. The outdoor exhibition consists of several statues of Stalin, Lenin and local traitors and signs tell from where they are coming and you will have an interesting walk and a lot of fresh air. In the between you can visit the rich indoor exhibitions that shows how the Soviet propaganda worked, how the brainwash of the people worked, how elections were manipulated etc. and if this is not enough for you, you can test one of the cattle cars in the train to Siberia. This exhibition is really worth a visit.

Had an enjoyable and informative morning at this quirky musuem. A good insight into the Soviet occupation and what it was like for the Lithuanian people. Took the kids and they loved the 70s style play park (ok so did we!) . Would really recommend this for anybody visiting the area . Good value too.

The part I was disgusted with was the "zoo" part!! Its from the Soviets aswell!! Its animals are kept in little dirty cages with noting to do but walk in circles and the smell from cages which look like they are never cleaned out is so strong. This is probably one of the biggest cases of cruelty to animals ive ever seen!! If you love animals you will find this place distressing!!!!I have added photos.

This park offers a very interesting view on the modern history on Lithuania under the soviet occupation. A must do to understand what life was in the soviet era. Interesting musea to show life and to see propanda art. Eat authentic food with original utteries; less tasting than interesting.

this place is extraordinary, and raises lots of questions about how you memorialise/remember past events. We didn't use an audio guide, and only speak English but found it fine to understand, lots of signs and info in English...we had the soviet food in the cafe...which was odd, but not so different from Lithuanian food to us! Plus, we saw a snake whilst walking round! Really much better than we expected - you should definitely visit if you are interested in history and in how museums present themselves.

Grutas park is important for collecting concrete memories of a gruesome period in human history. Understandably it has been controversial, but it is definitely important. The park is well organized, informative and overall fascinating.

Mushroom King bought Soviet statues from all over LT and placed here. One or two buildings with lots of Soviet Propaganda and photos. Without a LT guide, difficult to understand much of what is presented. Be prepared to walk a lot.

My friends and I really enjoyed our visit to Stalin World. The audio guide is expensive (45 Litas / €13) but it made our visit so much more enjoyable. Coming from Australia this era in history is fascinating and totally different from my own upbringing. I applaud the founders of this park for the forward thinking they have shown in preserving their history, no matter how dark it was. Many other former Soviet countries quickly destroyed and swept away this time in history, which is exactly what the Communists did. It's important to record history, if only to serve as a lesson to future generations. I highly recommend a visit here.

It's fascinating that someone would collect all of the statues of Stalin, Lenin and other Communist leaders (& other memorabilia) when they had been removed from display in city squares, government buildings and other places of prominence in Lithuania. I'm glad it was done though. This place gives a wonderful and historic sense of the communist era in Lithuania.