Archaeology exhibition “Unholy Finds”

Let’s unravel the secrets of Vilnius in the 16th–17th centuries and experience the unique history of the city, infused with the free-spirited essence of the Renaissance! Here, the everyday mingled with elegance — from humble domestic life to playful allegories and sophisticated games.

Nowadays, it is difficult to imagine that a completely different life was brewing in the current park of the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania several hundred years ago. Next to the then-existing Bishops’ Palace, there was a separate artisans’ quarter, intended only for their needs. And the daily life of the clergy was supplemented by luxurious items and ideas from foreign countries.

The treasure trove of finds on the territory of the Bishops’ Palace has been waiting for its hour of presentation for as long as 30 years. Some of the particularly salacious finds now will be revealed to dispel myths about the sanctity of society at that time.

The exhibition will open at the Old Arsenal on 11th June 2025 and run until 11th January 2026.

Exhibition organizer: National Museum of Lithuania

Exhibition partners:
Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania
National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Elbląng Museum of Archaeology and History / Muzeum Archeologiczno-Historyczne w Elblągu
Salzburg Museum

Curator and coordinator: Virginija Rimkutė
Consultants: Daiva Luchtanienė, dr. Aleksiejus Luchtanas
Architect: Justinas Dadonas
Graphic designer: Justinas Dadonas
Archaeologist: Evaldas Vailionis
Education: Virginija Rimkutė
Restoration: Rasa Nazarovaitė
Editor: Marytė Slušinskaitė
Translator: Virginija Rimkutė
Communication: Živilė Stadalytė