After 200 years of nonexistence, the reconstruction of the residence of the grand dukes of Lithuania in the heart of the Lithuanian State and its capital is finally nearing completion. This exhibition showcases the most important treasures of this “Lithuanian Pompeii.” Many of them survived, as if by a miracle, in the damp earth. The numerous and varied archaeological finds from over two hundred years of life in the palace have been carefully restored and now put on display. Many of these artifacts made of ceramic, wood, leather, metal, glass, and other materials are unique – not only to Lithuania but to Europe as well. They reflect the history of the old Lithuanian State, the luxurious as well as the everyday surroundings of its rulers, and the influence of court life on the development of the city, the country, and the Central and Northern European region. This exhibition presents exceptional European decorative and visual art objects – furniture, tapestries, maps, drawings, portraits of rulers and magnates, weapons, armor, and Lithuanian relics – from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque eras. This exhibition contains about 800 archaeological finds and interior décor treasures, which reveal the rich cultural past of Lithuania and its very close ties to European culture from the 13th to the 17th centuries when the residence of the grand dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius flourished. The treasures on display in this temporary exhibition will form the basis for the permanent exhibitions at the new National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
For guided tours, please contact the Museum of Applied Arts: tel. +370 212 1813
Exhibition organizer:
National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Exhibition curators:
Dalius Avižinis, d.avizinis@valdovurumai.lt, tel. +370 5 212 1139
Ėrika Striškienė, e.striskiene@valdovurumai.lt, tel. +370 5 262 9988
Exhibition partners:
Lithuanian Art Museum
Castle Research Center Lietuvos pilys
Royal Palace Restoration Foundation
Exhibition sponsors:
UAB Rūta
Royal Palace Restoration Foundation
