Published: 20250224
#pažinkmus – Jolita Mažulytė-Tumonienė, a ticket office employee at the Palace of the Grand Dukes. As the first person to greet visitors and send them off on their journey of discovery, Jolita welcomes everyone with a smile. In this conversation, we learn more about Jolita and her must-visit place in the museum.
Jolita, you have been working at the museum for a decade and have witnessed its growth and transformation. What has changed the most since you started at the Palace of the Grand Dukes?
A lot has changed. But what I would highlight the most is the attitude of visitors. In the beginning, we would sometimes hear mixed opinions and skepticism. Nowadays, I see more and more satisfaction, pride, and gratitude from people after their visit. I believe this is the result of the hard and consistent work of the entire museum team—people truly appreciate this place. They have embraced it as a venue to celebrate important national holidays and to attend museum events. I hear many wonderful reviews and comments. One that stood out to me was from a young man who, after his visit, came up to me and said, “I haven't felt this proud to be Lithuanian in a long time.” So, in my eyes, the change is undeniable (smiles).
A lot has changed. But what I would highlight the most is the attitude of visitors. In the beginning, we would sometimes hear mixed opinions and skepticism. Nowadays, I see more and more satisfaction, pride, and gratitude from people after their visit. I believe this is the result of the hard and consistent work of the entire museum team—people truly appreciate this place. They have embraced it as a venue to celebrate important national holidays and to attend museum events. I hear many wonderful reviews and comments. One that stood out to me was from a young man who, after his visit, came up to me and said, “I haven't felt this proud to be Lithuanian in a long time.” So, in my eyes, the change is undeniable (smiles).
What moment would you consider the most memorable in your time at the museum?
For me, the most memorable moment was the exhibition of Jadwiga Jagiellon's jewelry casket. It was my first encounter with an exhibition of such high artistic and historical value on a European scale, as well as with an unprecedented influx of visitors. It was presented just a couple of months after the museum opened. Before the exhibition, we would welcome over a thousand visitors daily, and during the display of the casket—even more. That was when I realized not only the scale of visitor numbers we would be dealing with but also how unique and exceptional the exhibitions here would be. I remember that exhibition as a real challenge, which the museum team handled exceptionally well. It was a great warm-up and preparation for the future (laughs).
For me, the most memorable moment was the exhibition of Jadwiga Jagiellon's jewelry casket. It was my first encounter with an exhibition of such high artistic and historical value on a European scale, as well as with an unprecedented influx of visitors. It was presented just a couple of months after the museum opened. Before the exhibition, we would welcome over a thousand visitors daily, and during the display of the casket—even more. That was when I realized not only the scale of visitor numbers we would be dealing with but also how unique and exceptional the exhibitions here would be. I remember that exhibition as a real challenge, which the museum team handled exceptionally well. It was a great warm-up and preparation for the future (laughs).
The museum usually welcomes at least a few hundred visitors a day, but are there any visitors who come regularly?
Yes, definitely, and we get to chat with them. I'm especially happy to see that the audience is getting younger, and I notice families returning with their children. Sometimes, I even remember which parts of the museum they have already visited and suggest new areas for them to explore.
Yes, definitely, and we get to chat with them. I'm especially happy to see that the audience is getting younger, and I notice families returning with their children. Sometimes, I even remember which parts of the museum they have already visited and suggest new areas for them to explore.
Which corner of the museum is your favorite?
It's hard to pick just one spot. I'm very used to the lobby, where I work. There's a lot of space, a lot of activity, and I get to interact with visitors directly... I can't even imagine working in an office (laughs). My favorite and most breathtaking spot is the palace’s observation tower. It has a special aura and offers a stunning view of the Old Town. For those who haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend a visit!
It's hard to pick just one spot. I'm very used to the lobby, where I work. There's a lot of space, a lot of activity, and I get to interact with visitors directly... I can't even imagine working in an office (laughs). My favorite and most breathtaking spot is the palace’s observation tower. It has a special aura and offers a stunning view of the Old Town. For those who haven’t been there yet, I highly recommend a visit!
What does your free time look like?
I usually spend my free time with my family, creating memories together. We enjoy short, spontaneous trips around Lithuania. I love staying in countryside homesteads that breathe history. I always take an interest in the surrounding areas, chat with the hosts, visit the key landmarks, and explore nature trails. After these trips, I feel rejuvenated and ready for new challenges. If I manage to find some time for myself, I love planning where and with whom I’ll have coffee—because that’s my weakness (smiles).
I usually spend my free time with my family, creating memories together. We enjoy short, spontaneous trips around Lithuania. I love staying in countryside homesteads that breathe history. I always take an interest in the surrounding areas, chat with the hosts, visit the key landmarks, and explore nature trails. After these trips, I feel rejuvenated and ready for new challenges. If I manage to find some time for myself, I love planning where and with whom I’ll have coffee—because that’s my weakness (smiles).
Thank you for your time!
