Guided Tour of the 'Hidden Within' Exhibition

We invite you to embark on a journey through time – to see the 16th-century regalia of Lithuanian and Polish rulers, and to discover the dramatic history of the Vilnius Cathedral treasury, from its concealments in 1655, 1939, and 1991 to its rediscoveries in 1931, 1985, and 2024. In 2024, the burial regalia of King Alexander Jagiellon, Queens Elizabeth of Habsburg and Barbara Radziwiłł were discovered in the crypts of Vilnius Cathedral: crowns, a scepter, and an orb. These treasures were brought to light for the first time in 1931, after Vilnius was hit by a particularly severe flood of the Neris and Vilnia rivers. In 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, when it was impossible to safely evacuate the treasury's valuables, the Cathedral itself became their most reliable hiding place. The tour will review the echoes of the treasury's discoveries and the circumstances of its concealments. You will learn what the burial insignia placed in royal tombs symbolized, and you will also get acquainted with other valuables discovered in the secret vault in 2024: queens' jewelry, testifying to the mastery of Renaissance goldsmiths, a set of precious stones, panels from the Chapel of St. Casimir in Vilnius Cathedral, and votive offerings. Tour duration – 1 hour. Tour price – €1 + visitor's ticket (€10, with discount – €5). Discounts apply upon presentation of a valid discount card. Advance registration is required by phone +370 5 269 7800 or email edukacija@bpmuziejus.lt. Tickets can be purchased at the museum's ticket office or through the 'Paysera Tickets' system. The exhibition 'Hidden Within' will be open at the Church Heritage Museum (Šv. Mykolo St. 9, Vilnius) until January 30, 2027. More information: www.bpmuziejus.lt , email muziejus@muziejus.lt or phone +370 5 269 7803; phone for media +370 684 07792. The exhibition is organized by the Church Heritage Museum, partner – Vilnius Academy of Arts. The museum's activities are financed by the Archdiocese of Vilnius, the Lithuanian Council for Culture, and Vilnius City Municipality. The project is partially funded by the Research Council of Lithuania.

Adresas: Bažnytinio paveldo muziejus