Castellan’s house

Status: Competition 1st prize 2022. Exhibition project 2023. Realization 2024
Location: Vilnius, Lithuania
Program: Permanent exhibition design for the National Museum of Lithuania
Space: 550 m²
Competition architects: Vytautas Biekša, Rokas Kilčiauskas, Marius Kanevičius, Justina Stefanovič, Dovilė Van Haeperen, Adelė Dovydavičiūtė.
Exposition architects: Vytautas Biekša, Marius Kanevičius, Dorotėja Žiugždaitė, Justina Stefanovič, Adelė Dovydavičiūtė
Graphic designer & coordinator: Vilija Biekšaitė
Narrators: Jonas Tertelis, Rita Karklytė
Photography: Norbert Tukaj

The history of this modest house, built in the 16th century, is far from ordinary. Constructed alongside the retaining wall of Gediminas Hill, this is one of the oldest and best-preserved buildings of the castle territory in Vilnius. Up to the 18th century, it was the residence of the Vilnius castellans. During the 19th and early 20th centuries the building underwent various transformations neglecting its rich past. From 2020 to 2024, the Castellan’s House was studied, restored, and prepared for showcasing an exposition dedicated to Lithuania’s history and culture.

‘Understanding Lithuania’
The permanent exhibition aims to present Lithuania’s history, culture, and people who have contributed to the country’s development and introduce visitors to the key ideas that shaped Lithuania’s identity.

The main factors influencing Lithuania’s history and culture are presented in the museum under the following topics: Creation, Beliefs, Battles, Turning Points in History, Global Connections, and Faces. Each topic is displayed in a separate exhibition hall, covering the most important events and phenomena from ancient times to the present.

The main exposition of the Castellan’s House is complemented by a story presented in the cellars about a Castellan’s profession, stonemasonry, and the history of Vilnius 200 years ago.