The anniversary of the capital is celebrated annually on January 25th. Exactly 700 years ago, on January 25th 1323, Vilnius was first mentioned as the capital of Lithuania in the Latin letters of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas to the cities of Western Europe.
Energy and Technology Museum invites you to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Vilnius together. On Wednesday, January 25th:
Events and visiting the museum from 5 PM are free of admission charge. Pre-registration for guided tours is here.
“Salve, Vilnius’DCC”
The final exhibition “Salve, Vilnius’DCC” of the continuous project “Salve, Vilnius” will be held in Boiler Hall and Roof Terrace of the Energy and Technology Museum. The fifth exhibition is is dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness of the city of Vilnius, and it features artists from all over Lithuania who have created unconventional works of art with round shapes: tondo, elliptical, arched paintings or sleek sculptures.
The exhibition project “Salve, Vilnius” started in 2018, last year the exhibition was also held in the Energy and Technology Museum. A total of 104 artists participated in the exhibitions over five years: painters, sculptors, graphic artists, textile artists and creators of interdisciplinary art.
“100 Years of History”
During the guided tour “100 Years of History” you will get to know the facade of the former first power plant of the city of Vilnius, where the museum is currently located, the power plant’s equipment, the most important dates, the role of the power plant as the city changed and modernized. The highlight of the tour is the historical Vilnius City Master Plan, created in 1980, under the leadership of architect Augis Gučas, reflecting the vision of Vilnius city of the architects of that time for the year 2000.
Vilnius city power plant was opened on February 14, 1903, and operated until 1998. In 2003, on February 14th, commemorating the centenary of the power plant, the museum was established. This year we also celebrate the 120th anniversary of the power plant and the 20th anniversary of the museum.
“History of Vilnius Modernization”
One of museum’s newest themed tours takes place on the roof terrace of the museum, which was opened last year. During it, we take a look at Old Town, New Town, Šnipiškės and Žirmūnai districts, which open from here, the history of the city’s creation, the most significant inventions that changed the lives of Vilnius residents, and the history of the appearance and construction of technically advanced city objects – the Vilnius Concert and Sports Palace, Vilnius TV Tower, three Neris bridges and others.
On the roof terrace, you will also find an interactive stand of Gediminas Hill, where you can record a voice greeting to Vilnius. The audio recordings will later be assembled into a collage – a general greeting to the capital.
The initiative of the 700th anniversary of Vilnius began in preparation for celebrating the significant anniversary of the capital. Famous artists, social initiatives and residents of Lithuania contribute to it. More events on the Vilnius 700 website.
Although the city of Vilnius was first mentioned in 1323, the first inhabitants settled in the territory of the present Old town as early as the Stone Age. Since the time of Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas, Vilnius has been known for its hospitality, inviting people from other countries to trade, craft and practice their faith freely.
Event partners: Vilnius City Municipality and Vilnius 700