Published: 20250311
On the eve of Lithuania's Independence Restoration Day, the LRT.lt portal introduced 11 of the most significant cultural events, phenomena, and personalities from 1990 to the present day.
"With our heads and hearts together, we selected 11 of the most outstanding cultural events, as determined by the editorial team and experts," say cultural journalists Aistė Diržiūtė-Rimkė and Daiva Gabrilavičiūtė, who presented the list.
The community of the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum is delighted that the restoration of the Palace of the Grand Dukes has been chosen as one of the most prominent cultural achievements of the past 35 years. Below, we present an excerpt from the article published on the museum’s website. The full list of 11 cultural milestones can be found on LRT.lt.
History: The Restoration of the Palace of the Grand Dukes
One of the most significant projects in reclaiming Lithuania's historical memory and heritage is the restoration of the Palace of the Grand Dukes. Initiated as part of Lithuania’s Millennium Program, the project was completed in time for the centenary of the country's independence restoration.
"The restoration symbolically connected the histories of both ancient and modern Lithuania, showcasing the creative power of the nation," says Dr. Vydas Dolinskas, historian and director of the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, in an interview with LRT.lt.
Construction work on the palace's restoration began in 2002. In the spring of 2004, then-President Algirdas Brazauskas laid the first brick into the palace's foundation. In 2013, the first section of the restored historical residence of Lithuania’s grand dukes was opened, immediately hosting the majority of events for Lithuania’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. By 2018, the entire palace was officially opened to the public and visitors to the capital.
"Over the past several years, the restored ducal residence has become an integral part of Lithuania’s cultural landscape. The historical complex, which showcases ancient walls, authentic archaeological findings, and reconstructed representative interiors, is now one of the most important sites for the representation of the Lithuanian state and its history. It has also become one of the most recognizable symbols of Vilnius, the eternal capital. The restoration of the palace revived the historic urban fabric of the city’s heart," Dolinskas asserts.
He explains that today, the Palace of the Grand Dukes hosts significant national and international projects, including exhibitions, concerts, educational activities, scholarly research, and the collection of Lithuanian historical artifacts. It also serves as a venue for state functions and a center for cultural tourism. Visitors can admire world-renowned art masterpieces and historical treasures related to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL), which have been scattered across the globe. For several years now, the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum has been the most visited museum in Vilnius and the second most popular in Lithuania.
"Our focus is not only on Lithuanian history, heritage, and cultural traditions but also on European connections. Although we were born in restored Lithuania, we do not forget the threats and lessons of history. That is why we organize events promoting civic and patriotic education, strengthening historical awareness in society. Today, more than ever, our efforts are crucial in countering disinformation from hostile forces and contributing to national security," the historian emphasizes.
More than 200 years ago, the Palace of the Grand Dukes in the Lower Castle of Vilnius was demolished. Its reconstruction was based on the remains excavated between 1987 and 2001. The palace, which was originally located between the Cathedral and Castle Hill, is an integral part of the Vilnius Castles complex. In total, the restoration of the Palace of the Grand Dukes cost over 100 million euros.
It is worth noting that the idea of restoring the palace had both supporters and opponents. Ultimately, it was decided that reconstruction was the most suitable way to preserve and exhibit the uncovered ruins. Various programs were developed, a competition for the restoration concept was held, and key heritage protection and functional requirements were established, according to the Institute for Design and Restoration.
Additionally, in 1997, the Vilnius Castles State Cultural Reserve was established to protect the Vilnius castle complex, its surrounding territory, and its cultural and natural treasures.
