Vilnius Museum of Antiquities: A Temple of the Past

Vilnius Museum of Antiquities: A Temple of the Past is an interactive exhibition taking visitors to the origins of Lithuanian museology. Founded by Count Eustachy Tyszkiewicz, the Vilnius Museum of Antiquities opened its doors to the public all the way back in 1856 in the premises of the closed Vilnius University. One hundred and seventy years later, it welcomes visitors once more with the help of historical data and bits of the collection that have survived to the present day.

Open the doors to mid-19th-century Vilnius and immerse yourself in the richly detailed virtual replica of the grand Franciszek Smuglewicz Hall. Take your time to observe the 129 scanned and meticulously recreated original historical relics from the ancient lands of Lithuania and around the world. Paintings, sculptures, books, archaeological finds, coins, and many more exhibits currently stored at the Lithuanian National Museum are waiting to be discovered and collected into your personal list of exhibits.

Befriend the collector at heart, Count Eustachy Tyszkiewicz, who founded the museum with his own personal collection, and be sure to ask him about his lifelong interest in all things ancient. Learn many curious stories about the museum and its vast collection. Collect questions as you explore and always come back with them to Tyszkiewicz. He will gladly tell you all he knows.

The museum operated as a public institution, gathering the region's intelligentsia and nobility for joint scientific and educational work and accumulating the historical heritage of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania. However, it was controlled by the Russian tsarist administration, which then ruled Lithuania.

A storm of interests is brewing in the museum hall, and it's up to you to get to the bottom of this intricate story.

FEATURES

Historical recreation - Enter a version of a 19th-century museum recreated from historical data.

Alternative education - Immerse yourself in stories from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Digital museum - Explore a virtual exhibition at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

Extensive collection - Find, collect, and learn about 129 original exhibits.

Reactive exploration - Uncover even more stories as you progress through the collection.