International Exhibition “Queens, Realms, and Emotions”

What reaches us are the legends about them – legends that strengthen our spirit and our sense of self-worth.

Nearly 500 years ago, two women left Vilnius to become queens in foreign lands – Poland and Sweden. They clearly understood that this was their mission and duty: to represent their homeland, to spread its culture, and to serve their people. Having received an exceptional education, they carried on family traditions while also looking toward new horizons – doing so as best they could, in the ways that were possible for women of their time.

The exhibition tells the story of two contemporaneous queens – Barbara Radziwiłł and Catherine Jagiellon – through their painful, dramatic, majestic, and breathtaking life journeys. In doing so, it reveals not only their lives but also the broader story of our nation’s survival and endurance. Visitors will be enchanted by authentic exhibits, a vivid and immersive audio narrative, and exhibition architecture that brings to life the twists and turns of these women’s destinies.

The exhibition will explore how dynasties and families shaped the development and power of the state, how women played active roles in history, the ongoing geopolitical challenges of the past 500 years, the history of diplomacy and war, and personal tragedies – revealed through artworks and design objects. These are the works that give rise to legends and help them grow.

For the first time, precious objects belonging to the Radziwiłł and Jagiellon families – linked to the lives of these queens – will arrive in Lithuania from Hungary, Sweden, and Poland.

For the first time in Lithuania, a hybrid exhibition combining history, art, and design will be held, presenting not only museum treasures but also contemporary works that represent the queens’ cultural legacy and the influence of their legends on creators.

For the first time, an exhibition of this scale and significance will later travel to Sweden, where it will be shown in the historic royal capital, at the Uppsala Art Museum – near the site of Queen Catherine Jagiellon’s coronation and burial.

For the first time in Lithuania, the exhibition will introduce contemporary monarchy by shedding light on the lives of the women in the Swedish royal family and the challenges they face today.

For the first time, the exhibition will feature a cinematic soundtrack composed exclusively for this story, deepening the visitor’s emotional connection to history.

The exhibition opens at the House of Histories on June 4, 2025, and will run until January 4, 2026.