Published: 20240209
The newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to Lithuania, Emanuele de Maigret, has chosen the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania as his first cultural destination. His Excellency, in a conversation with Dr Vydas Dolinskas, the Director General of the museum, emphasized that his counterparts in Rome recommended that the best way to acquaint oneself with the history and culture of Lithuania, as well as the development of relations between the two countries over the centuries, is here, within the restored residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Confirming these recommendations, Daiva Mitrulevičiūtė, Head of the International Relations Department, introduced H.E. the Ambassador to the museum's permanent exhibitions and presented the contexts of the Dr. Pranas Kiznis Gallery's art collection.
Another newly appointed Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Lithuania, Aleš Opata, accompanied by his wife Martina Opatova, also visited the National Museum - Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Dr Vydas Dolinskas, Director General of the museum, greeted the guests and elucidated the most significant historical events and personalities connecting Lithuania and the Czech Republic. With his background as the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces for four years, H.E. the Ambassador was particularly intrigued by the weaponry and the history of the Lithuanian military during the museum tour.
The esteemed guests showed great interest in the museum's activities and were enthusiastic about potential collaborations with Italian and Czech cultural institutions. These promising exchanges of ideas bode well for a future filled with vibrant cultural exchanges and fruitful partnerships.
The museum is a venerable symbol of our cultural heritage and is often visited by diplomats from Europe and beyond. Lithuanian politicians are also proud to escort distinguished foreign guests to the museum and to showcase the rich history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its cultural heritage.