The scientific catalogue presents in detail the collection of tapestries acquired by the Palace of the Grand Dukes between 2011 and 2021, which is unparalleled not only in Lithuania, but also in other Baltic countries, and has attracted the interest of the international scientific community. The first part of the publication gives an overview of the history of European tapestries, introduces the characteristics of the artistic fabrics, the factors that influenced their quality and value, the most important production centres, commissioners, weavers, artists and traders. All of them have had a decisive influence on the tapestry's astonishing story of glory, the success of which, like the fabrics themselves, has been determined by different artistic, political and economic aspirations and opportunities. The text, which is full of names, dates and titles, is interspersed with stories and comparisons to help us better understand the context, and at times to feel caught up in a whirlwind of historical facts.