European Archaeology Days at the Old Arsenal

This year, the European Archaeology Days at the Old Arsenal are dedicated to the newest exhibition of this department, “Unholy Finds,” and to traditional games. We invite Vilnius residents and city guests to immerse themselves in the playful culture of 16th–17th century Vilnius. Few know that Renaissance-era Vilnius residents were fond of all kinds of games, including qvirkata, “mill,” and chess.

Throughout both days, museum visitors will be welcomed with craft workshops, educational activities, historical board game tournaments, presentations, and unforgettable experiences. Everyone is invited to the Old Arsenal courtyard and the Archaeology Exhibition – from the youngest to the most serious visitors. There will be something for everyone to enjoy!

All activities and exhibition visits are free of charge. Participants are kindly asked to bring lots of energy, smiles, and a desire to play!

Date and Time:
June 14 and 15
10:00–18:00 (Saturday) and 10:00–15:00 (Sunday)

Admission is free.

June 14, Saturday, 10:00–18:00
Guests of the Day:

• Public Institution “Viking Village” – historical board games
• Public Institution “Vilnius Potters’ Guild” – Renaissance ceramics: pottery throwing and tile-making
• Archaeologists Daiva and Aleksiejus Luchtanas

Activities of the Day:

12:00 – Presentation of the exhibition “Unholy Finds” with the creative team: curator Virginija Rimkutė and consultants D. Luchtanienė and Dr. A. Luchtanas

14:00 – Grass discussion “Had the spirit of the Renaissance already reached 16th-century Lithuania?” (with Dr. A. Luchtanas)

16:00 – Presentation of reconstructed Renaissance ceramics of Vilnius (Vilnius Potters’ Guild)

17:00 – Vilnius-style board game tournament to win the prize of the day (Viking Village)

All day (10:00–18:00):

• Historical board games (Viking Village)
• Renaissance ceramics: pottery throwing and tile-making (Vilnius Potters’ Guild)
• Archery and crossbow shooting (Strėlė Public Institution)
• Visit to the Archaeology Exhibition and the “Unholy Finds” exhibition
• Activities and games for children by LNM educators and volunteers:
• Pelican Stories: modeling the exhibition tile with pelicans
• Dragons and Griffins: coloring of exhibition tiles
• Little Archaeologists: searching for finds in sand
• Warriors and Hunters: spear throwing, rope pulling contests, other games
• Old Arsenal lottery

June 15, Sunday, 10:00–15:00
Guests of the Day:

• Dr. Arūnas Puškorius – The most interesting shoes of Vilnius: presentation of reconstructed footwear and games with leather balls
• Simas Janulis – lesser-known musical instruments: jaw harp presentation and hands-on playing session
• Archaeologists Daiva and Aleksiejus Luchtanas
• Viking Village – historical board games

Activities of the Day:

12:00 – Presentation of the exhibition “Unholy Finds” with the creative team: curator V. Rimkutė and consultants D. Luchtanienė and Dr. A. Luchtanas

13:00 – Vilnius-style board game tournament to win the prize of the day (Viking Village)

14:00 – Leather ball throwing championship for the Presidential Ball (Dr. A. Puškorius)

All day (10:00–15:00):

• Historical board games (Viking Village)
• Presentation and workshop on jaw harps and how to play them (S. Janulis)
• The Most Interesting Shoes of Vilnius: presentation of reconstructed footwear (Dr. A. Puškorius)
• Archery and crossbow shooting (Strėlė Public Institution)
• Visit to the Archaeology Exhibition and the “Unholy Finds” exhibition
• Activities and games for children by LNM educators and volunteers:
• Pelican Stories: modeling the exhibition tile with pelicans, using wooden molds
• Dragons and Griffins: coloring of exhibition tiles
• Little Archaeologists: searching for finds in sand
• Warriors and Hunters: safe spear throwing, rope pulling contests, other games
• Old Arsenal lottery