Established in 1721, the state-owned manor in Šilutė is a refined example of late Classicist and Historicist architecture, adorned with the distinctive decorative elements characteristic of the Klaipėda region.
In 1819, the manor was acquired by Franz Wilhelm Radke, but its true renaissance and prosperity began in 1889 when it was purchased by Dr. Hugo Scheu. A visionary landowner, Scheu modernized the estate, leasing and even donating parts of its land to the town. Many key landmarks of Šilutė—such as the district hospital, market square, high school, former primary school, post office, fire station, harbor, and Evangelical Lutheran Church—were built on former manor grounds. His generous contributions earned Dr. Scheu the title of Šilutė’s benefactor.
The manor also became home to the first museum in the Klaipėda region, housing a unique collection of cultural and historical artifacts. Unfortunately, in October 1944, when the Red Army occupied the estate, a significant part of the museum’s treasures was destroyed. During the Soviet era, the manor served various functions, including housing an agricultural school and a state-run farm.
Since 2015, the manor has been home to the Hugo Scheu Museum, offering visitors insights into the region’s heritage. It also houses the Šilutė Tourism Information Center, while some of the former estate buildings have been repurposed as restoration and educational centers.