What can we expect and look forward to?
Behind the somewhat dramatic portrayal of the palace’s façade, concealed beneath construction wrap, our small team is carrying out the enormous task of co-creating the palace. At this stage, their work remains hidden, but we are excited to offer you a sneak peek behind the scenes.
After the contractors hand us the keys to the Sapieha Palace in early January 2024, we will make preparations to open the newly renovated and modernised spaces of this historic building to the public in late winter or early spring. We look forward to welcoming you to discover the palace’s history and artistic heritage – its frescoes, wall and ceiling decorations, mouldings, and the restoration process itself. Guided tours will be available to all, as well as educational workshops about the Baroque for students in grades 5–12. We will also offer regular accessible and inclusive guided tours and educational workshops for individuals with disabilities.
Once the palace is fully opened in April, you will be invited to explore the historical display and experience our first, year-long exhibition dedicated to the essay genre. The central theme is refuge – a sanctuary spanning physical, spiritual and imaginative dimensions – inspired by an inscription on the late-Baroque-style façade of the Sapieha Palace, which has survived to this day. The inscription describes the palace as a haven for weary war heroes (Kazimierz Jan Sapieha, who built the palace, was the Great Hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which is why war and tributes to his abilities and accomplishments are particularly highlighted in the palace’s architecture and its decor). The exhibition will explore the theme of refuge without fixating on a single historical personality or era, but rather by unveiling the diverse and dramatic history of the palace and its surroundings. Through works by various artists, it will be contextualised through a range of themes, including refuge, danger, escapism, vulnerability, healing, consolation and more.
Alongside the historical display and the inaugural exhibition, the palace will house a reading room, host inclusive public events, and carry out publishing and educational programmes.
The project No. 05.4.1-CPVA-V-301-01-0012, titled ‘Revitalising the Sapieha Palace’ is financed by the European Regional Development Fund under Measure No. 05.4.1.-CPVA-V-301, ‘Revitalising Cultural Heritage Sites’, of Priority 5, ‘Environmental Protection, Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Adaptation to Climate Change’, within the Operational Programme for EU Funds’ Investments 2014-2020.
Edgaras Gerasimovičius, Gintautė Žemaitytė, Laura Misiūnaitė, Virginija Januškevičiūtė – co-creators of the activities at the Sapieha Palace.
Photos by Audrius Salominas