Published: 20250403
On 1 April, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, along with Executive Director Natalia Bayona, Head of the European Regional Department Cordula Wohlmuther, and accompanying representatives from the organisation and Lithuanian tourism policy specialists, visited the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
The guests were welcomed by the museum's Deputy Director General, Dr Ramunė Šmigelskytė-Stukienė, who introduced them to the history of the museum’s establishment and the extensive archaeological and historical research programme that spanned more than twenty years. The meeting included discussions on the importance of the World Tourism Organization in promoting accessibility and awareness of countries, as well as its significant role in suspending Russia’s membership following its large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
During an introductory tour, Asta Junevičienė, Project Manager at the Palace of the Grand Dukes, guided the visitors through the museum’s rich and unique archaeological exhibition, the reconstructed historical interiors from the late Gothic, Renaissance, and early Baroque periods, and the European art treasures displayed in Dr Pranas Kiznys’ painting gallery.
The visitors were particularly intrigued by the unique collection of Gothic and Renaissance stove tiles, as well as the use of replicas of these artefacts in the museum’s marketing. Tourism experts, with extensive experience in the field, highlighted the importance of such souvenirs in raising awareness of the collection’s uniqueness. The guests will take away a lasting memento of their visit to the reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes in Vilnius in the form of miniature replicas of heraldic stove tiles.
Over the coming days, the guests will participate in the international Future Hospitality and Tourism Forum 2025, taking place in Vilnius.
