Published: 20250508
#pažinkmus– Paulina Blažytė, Cultural Events Coordinator. A chat about everyday music, a year in Italy, and the upcoming Baroque Night at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
You’ve been working at the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum for a couple of years now. What surprised you the most?
Honestly, I was most surprised by how many and what kinds of events take place here. Before working here, I was probably like most people my age living in Vilnius – I’d heard of “Midsummer Vilnius” or the “Cinema under the Stars” festivals. But once I joined the museum, I realized just how diverse the event program truly is. From lectures to concerts, conferences to more informal events like Dance Day, Museum Night, or Culture Night – there’s something for every taste and interest.
Honestly, I was most surprised by how many and what kinds of events take place here. Before working here, I was probably like most people my age living in Vilnius – I’d heard of “Midsummer Vilnius” or the “Cinema under the Stars” festivals. But once I joined the museum, I realized just how diverse the event program truly is. From lectures to concerts, conferences to more informal events like Dance Day, Museum Night, or Culture Night – there’s something for every taste and interest.
Not many people know, but you spent a year living in Italy. What was that time like?
I went to Italy because I was working at a big company and feeling completely drained – I knew I needed a change. That’s when I found out about the European Solidarity Corps volunteering program, which is open to young people under 30. Eventually, I got invited to join a project in Italy. I lived in a village near Turin, took part in community activities with kids and teenagers, worked at a summer camp, and a few days a week I helped out at a local organization. It was truly an eye-opening experience – I came to better understand myself and other cultures, and I met (and in some cases became friends with) people from Ukraine, Hungary, and many other countries. I fulfilled a long-time dream of living abroad – now I’ve scratched that itch and can happily settle down in Vilnius.
I went to Italy because I was working at a big company and feeling completely drained – I knew I needed a change. That’s when I found out about the European Solidarity Corps volunteering program, which is open to young people under 30. Eventually, I got invited to join a project in Italy. I lived in a village near Turin, took part in community activities with kids and teenagers, worked at a summer camp, and a few days a week I helped out at a local organization. It was truly an eye-opening experience – I came to better understand myself and other cultures, and I met (and in some cases became friends with) people from Ukraine, Hungary, and many other countries. I fulfilled a long-time dream of living abroad – now I’ve scratched that itch and can happily settle down in Vilnius.
Did living in a country so rich in history influence your current work or how you perceive culture?
Honestly, not really – back then I wasn’t very engaged in the cultural field. I was living far from the city, inside my little volunteer bubble. After the program, I planned to stay in Italy, but life had other plans and I ended up returning to Lithuania. Looking back, I think there are more opportunities to engage and build community here – and to create meaningful things. Abroad, those things can be hard, especially when you’re just trying to integrate. When I got back home, I remember thinking: “Wow, there’s still so much to do here!” And that’s true – we’re doing a lot, especially at the Palace.
Honestly, not really – back then I wasn’t very engaged in the cultural field. I was living far from the city, inside my little volunteer bubble. After the program, I planned to stay in Italy, but life had other plans and I ended up returning to Lithuania. Looking back, I think there are more opportunities to engage and build community here – and to create meaningful things. Abroad, those things can be hard, especially when you’re just trying to integrate. When I got back home, I remember thinking: “Wow, there’s still so much to do here!” And that’s true – we’re doing a lot, especially at the Palace.
Music follows you almost every step of the way – you’ve said your taste is very eclectic. What are your current top three most-played albums?
Lately I’ve been listening to Piemuo’s album Dingo katinas! – it’s fun, youthful, and I honestly don’t know how to describe it better. With spring here, I’ve also revisited Mount Kimbie’s Cold Spring Fault Less Youth and Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde.
Lately I’ve been listening to Piemuo’s album Dingo katinas! – it’s fun, youthful, and I honestly don’t know how to describe it better. With spring here, I’ve also revisited Mount Kimbie’s Cold Spring Fault Less Youth and Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde.
If the museum were a music album, what songs would be on it?
Great question! Probably some Renaissance or Baroque compositions (laughs). But honestly, the museum’s album would be dynamic, playful, and full of timeless hits that have stood the test of time.
Great question! Probably some Renaissance or Baroque compositions (laughs). But honestly, the museum’s album would be dynamic, playful, and full of timeless hits that have stood the test of time.
On Museum Night, May 17, the “Baroque Route” program will take place. Last year, visitors were greeted by curators telling surprising stories, exploring Renaissance scents, and showcasing costumes of Barbora Radvilaitė and Sigismund Augustus as envisioned by designer Juozas Statkevičius. What can we expect this year?
This year, the Baroque “Shorts” will be featured – 15–20 minute stories on various topics. For example, visitors will hear about Vasa graffiti, tapestry secrets, palace celebrations, and many other curiosities. There will also be music – my colleague Skirmantė will perform live on the harpsichord, her music filling the palace halls. I’m especially excited that we’re trying out the short-story format this year – I think it’s perfect for Museum Night, when people want to see, hear, and experience as much as possible in a short time.
I won’t give away everything – come and hear for yourself!
This year, the Baroque “Shorts” will be featured – 15–20 minute stories on various topics. For example, visitors will hear about Vasa graffiti, tapestry secrets, palace celebrations, and many other curiosities. There will also be music – my colleague Skirmantė will perform live on the harpsichord, her music filling the palace halls. I’m especially excited that we’re trying out the short-story format this year – I think it’s perfect for Museum Night, when people want to see, hear, and experience as much as possible in a short time.
I won’t give away everything – come and hear for yourself!
Besides the “Baroque Route” program, the museum will also host the much-loved “Silent Disco” from last year. What kind of music can visitors expect this time?
There will definitely be something for everyone. First, of course, there’ll be variations and remixes of Baroque compositions, since 2025 is dedicated to that era in Lithuania. You’ll also hear timeless hits from different decades and Eurovision favorites – especially since the Eurovision final takes place on Museum Night. This year’s Silent Disco motto is “From Baroque to Punk Rock,” so we’re absolutely including rock and punk rock legends like Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, blink-182, and more.
There will definitely be something for everyone. First, of course, there’ll be variations and remixes of Baroque compositions, since 2025 is dedicated to that era in Lithuania. You’ll also hear timeless hits from different decades and Eurovision favorites – especially since the Eurovision final takes place on Museum Night. This year’s Silent Disco motto is “From Baroque to Punk Rock,” so we’re absolutely including rock and punk rock legends like Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, blink-182, and more.
You’ve mentioned that your free time also revolves around culture. So how do you unwind – or do you even need to?
Sometimes I really do need a break – the brain gets tired from all the visual and textual input. That’s when I go for walks or binge-watch TV shows (right now I’m watching Fleabag and The White Lotus). And to be honest, I watch a lot of reels (laughs) – that’s my guilty pleasure. I’ve also discovered a more unusual way to unwind – I love driving. After volunteering in Italy, I drove all the way back to Lithuania through Europe, taking in the beauty and diversity of our neighboring countries.
Sometimes I really do need a break – the brain gets tired from all the visual and textual input. That’s when I go for walks or binge-watch TV shows (right now I’m watching Fleabag and The White Lotus). And to be honest, I watch a lot of reels (laughs) – that’s my guilty pleasure. I’ve also discovered a more unusual way to unwind – I love driving. After volunteering in Italy, I drove all the way back to Lithuania through Europe, taking in the beauty and diversity of our neighboring countries.
Thank you for the chat!
