Published: 20260323
On March 20th, 2026, the Transcarpathian Museum of Regional History named after Tivodar Lehotsky in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, opened an exhibition detailing the history of the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius, its turbulent past and heritage and the bonds between Lithuanians and Ukrainians dating back to the 10th century. This panel exhibition opens an important chapter of shared European, Ukrainian and Lithuanian history for visitors, highlighting the period when parts of modern-day Ukraine belonged to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The Palace in Vilnius was the birthplace of political, cultural, and legal traditions that became a significant part of Ukrainian history.
The opening in Uzhhorod began with a minute of silence to honor the Ukrainian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine's freedom and independence. This moving pause serves as a reminder of the high cost of the ongoing war, sparked by Russian aggression and the invasion of Ukraine. While the people of Ukraine face the nightly fear of destructive missiles, life continues even in wartime.
"For several centuries, the Moscow occupiers worked to destroy the Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius until it was finally wiped off the face of the earth. This was a deliberate effort to destroy state symbols, signs of national identity, and to erase historical memory–mocking or looting national cultural heritage. As the example of Ukraine heroically fighting against Moscow's barbarians shows today, the mentality and methods of those 'swamp dwellers' have not changed in centuries," states Dr. Vydas Dolinskas, the author of the exhibition concept and Director General of the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
The history told in the exhibition reaches back to the 10th and 11th centuries, when the state of Kievan Rus' was forming and strengthening. Simultaneously, the long process of state consolidation began in Lithuania, including several attempts at Christianization. The name of Lithuania was first mentioned in 1009, when the missionary Bruno, having learned about Lithuania in Kyiv, arrived in the land and baptized Ruler Netimeras. However, he was soon killed on the border of Lithuania and Rus', and the country remained pagan, briefly falling under the influence of Rus' and paying tribute to the Dukes of Kyiv.
During her welcoming remarks, Museum Director Olga Shumovska emphasized: "The exhibition prepared by the Palace Museum is not only a historical project but also a symbol of modern European unity. The shared history of Ukraine and Lithuania testifies to deep traditions of state-building, mutual respect, and cultural exchange."
Dr. Roman Chmelyk, Director of the Lviv History Museum, noted: "Lithuanian support for Ukraine has special significance both in modern politics and in a broader historical perspective–it is an example of true European solidarity based not only on diplomatic interests but on shared historical experience, values, and, unfortunately, shared threats."
The panel exhibition traces the history of the Palace of the Grand Dukes until the destruction of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century, when almost the entire territory of the Grand Duchy was seized by the aggressive Russian Empire. Russia deliberately erased signs of Lithuanian statehood – demolishing palaces, churches, monasteries, and schools and altering cityscapes by building Orthodox churches. This Russian policy is well-known to Ukrainians as well. The narrative continues into modern history, presenting archaeological research of the site, the decision to reconstruct the residence, and the current activities of the Palace Museum. Visitors can see moments from meetings held at the Palace between world leaders and foreign sovereigns.
Ihor Kozhan, Director General of the Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv, drew attention to the importance of cultural cooperation and the preservation of a unifying cultural heritage. He stated: "This exhibition is proof of how strong the historical ties between Ukraine and Lithuania have been since the days of the Grand Duchy: centuries ago, our states faced common challenges as Muscovy began to strengthen and infringe upon our lands. Mutual support and shared values are the keys to overcoming today's difficulties."
Participating remotely, Dr. V. Dolinskas wished the visitors of the Uzhhorod museum strength and the joy of discovery, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people. He added that the exhibition holds special importance today, as questions of historical memory and European solidarity are extremely relevant.
The exhibition has already been displayed at the Lviv History Museum. The material was prepared by Dr. V. Dolinskas and project manager Gintarė Tadarovska. After Uzhhorod, the exhibition will travel to Mukachevo Castle, which also has historical ties to Lithuania. Built on a volcanic rock, the castle was once ruled by Theodore Koriatovych, a descendant of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas. He transformed the defensive fortress into a residential palace and installed a 76-meter-deep well in the courtyard. Today, Mukachevo (or Palanok) Castle is one of Ukraine's most valuable architectural and historical monuments from the 14th–17th centuries. In 2018, an exposition dedicated to Theodore Koriatovych was established there, along with a monument in his honor.
"Cooperation with Ukrainian museums is continuous. For example, this year we are expecting an exhibition from the Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv. We hope to bring one of the 'gems' of their collection to Lithuania. This will be an exhibition that, until now, has only been seen by audiences in the United States and Italy," says Dr. V. Dolinskas.
Photos provided by the Uzhhorod Museum.
