palace of the grand dukes of lithuania, national museum

LiuS593

This is palace was opened to the public in 2009 to celebrate millennium from Lithuania being mentioned in written sources (The Annals Quedlinburgenses). The reconstruction work was started in 2002, and some work is still ongoing (parts of the palace have not been opened yet). Great place to explore Lithuanian history!

Eponymousym

There isn't much I can say without sounding like I'm bragging. As a guest of the city and hosted at a sumptuous dinner with traditional entertainment and a guided tour of the museum, the treatment doesn't get better than this and neither does the experience. Greeted by guards with lances in full shiny armour and escorted on the red carpet I feel very privileged indeed to have experienced this beautiful building in all its grand splendour. The tour is very highly recommended and the history and exhibits are well worth the visit even if you get just the public experience as I normally do.

FeatherSuffolk

Particularly enjoyed the exhibition of paintings by Romualdo Silinsko. A coffee shop would have been good - nothing available. NB it's very warm inside so if you are visiting in winter there is a cloakroom to the right as you enter to leave your outer clothing - we didn't notice it until we were leaving.

alexanderSpain

Well laid out museum,they even check your coats in.The ground floors give thehistory of the buildings and the upper floorsalthkugh pretty much a recreation arevery well done. They have spent their money well on this project.The entrance fee for a senior and one adult was less tha 5 euros for the two of us which is very good value.It is near to all of the main sites so place it in your street planning when you visit.We recommend this place .

aigarssm

this is newly build attraction in Vilnius center = replica of historical Duke palace. There is some historical foundations could be seen, plus historical artifacts and many stories to read.

RobyGlobal

The Palace is well preserved and open to tourists. Next to Vilnius Cathedral, this sight is strongly recommended.

murphybarb13

Beautiful place. We had gorgeous medieval feast, with authentic medieval dancers as entertainment was fantastic.Dinner was gorgeous. Had chance to see the old ruinsTotally accessible toilets clean spacious.Elevator up/downGreat place full of history

Petras-the-Insider

Visit Grand Dukes palace and you'll be surprised by the richness of Lithuanian history starting from 13th century when first brick castle was built here until 16th - 17th centuries - flourishing period of Lithuania. One of the most interesting museums in Lithuania and for sure best representing Lithuanian history. Though palace is rebuild it is worth to visit all the floors. It will take aprx 1,5-2 hours. Start from lower floor with ruins of different periods from 13th to 17th centuries and follow signs to upper floors with restored gothic and renesaince halls where exposed big collection of renaisance tiles, tapestries, paintings, furniture and arms from 16th-17th centuries as well as schemes of connections between Lithuanian rulers and other Royal dynasties in Europe.Museum is just next to the Cathedral within walking distance from the most hotels in the Old Town and Gediminas avenue. Don't be surprised by the construction works in the backyard of the Palace since part of the complex is still under construction.

Tjigra

Great place to touch and understand Lithuanian history, to see all the authentic things as well as artistic impressions of what life could have been hundreds of years ago. Lots and lots of information, for someone interested to read it all a day spent there could be too short.I suggest not to visit on Saturdays like we did, though, because there are lots of groups then and half of the experience is to try to avoid being caught in a crowd.

Zivtele

This is one of the places that is worth to visit if you are in Vilnius. I now relate Vilnius excatly with this place.

sullivan09

The lower floor/basement comprised the excavated old foundations of the palace viewed from elevated walkways, and a lot of information boards - in English. The upper floors had more recent displays with furniture etc. A couple of hours minimum needed to see anything worthwhile.

Siaubas

As a Lithuanian, I have a bit of an issue with the building itself. It's exterior adornment is at best an educated guess as little in the way of drawings of the original exist. Building this new museum on the foundation of the actual "palace" means future study of the foundation of the true building is likely impossible.A great deal of money was spent to build this museum and it shows. The interior layout, the exhibits at the ground and first levels were excellent. It's really amazing how much historical information, both archeological and architectural, are presented.The two upper floors hold period furniture, paintings and other items typical of Europe during the ages. Much of it doesn't have direct relevance to the museum or even Lithuania. It seems some of the items displayed were installed so as something can be displayed while better period items are found. Some of the reproduction paintings in particular are of poor quality. The museum itself is very large. Walking through all of the exhibits takes around 90 minutes.

davekv

this is a new museum that deserves a serious attention. An excellent blend of ancient artifacts and modern restoration. we paid extra for an English speaking tour guide and found it well worth the expense (you need to book personal tours in advance.) The Museum really makes clear the interwoven history of Lithuania, Russia and Poland. This is what a modern museum should be.

pttbw

This museum is only a year or so old and has been extremely well created in the area of the lower castle. Bilingual descriptions of the rulers of Lithuania ( and Poland) over the past 600 years were well presented and gave this reviewer a much clearer idea of the history of Eastern Europe. Maps showing territorial changes over different centuries were very interesting. The entry fees are exceptionally low.

Serguei_K

Perfect reconstruction work done for the Palace, very nice way to present the history of Grand Duchy Lithuania, while a bit pretentious form the "historical truth" side