The international exhibition “Kyivan Rus. The Beginning,” hosted by the National Museum of Lithuania, is coming to a close—this is the final week to visit and support a meaningful initiative. Over €10,000 has already been raised.

Visitors contribute to the initiative simply by attending the exhibition—one euro from every ticket is donated to Ukrainian museums that have loaned artifacts for the display. These include the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Lviv Historical Museum, and the Zaporizhzhia Regional Museum of Local Lore.

The collected funds will be used for the restoration of objects preserved in these Ukrainian museums, the purchase of necessary materials and equipment, and the training of restoration specialists.

This initiative continues last year’s campaign, “Ukrainian Culture Has Nothing to Defend Itself With”, during which nearly 200 restoration tools and materials were purchased, enabling the restoration of over 300 museum artifacts.

Dr. Rūta Kačkutė, General Director of the National Museum of Lithuania and the exhibition curator, emphasizes that this year’s initiative is part of a long-term effort to support Ukrainian museums. It strengthens cultural and professional ties between Lithuanian and Ukrainian museums and ensures the protection of Ukraine’s cultural heritage even in times of war: “This allows Ukrainian restorers to continue their work. Collaboration between Lithuanian and Ukrainian museums is reinforced through the sharing of expertise and the organization of internships for specialists.”

The Ukrainian museums loaned a selection of their most valuable treasures for the exhibition “Kyivan Rus. The Beginning.” Over 300 artifacts with a total value exceeding €10 million were brought to Lithuania—this marks the first time such high-value items have been displayed here on this scale. The exhibition showcases the opulent heritage of Kyivan Rus and provides a narrative that spans nearly three centuries of the early medieval state’s formation and flourishing.

“Every ticket purchased makes a difference. This week is the last opportunity to see these unique objects and support the initiative. Visitors don’t need to do anything else—just attend the exhibition, and one euro from each ticket is donated by the National Museum of Lithuania,” encourages Rūta Kačkutė.

She also notes that the exhibition tells the rich, multicultural history of Kyivan Rus and, most importantly, answers the question of who founded the Kyivan Rus state and who carried on its legacy after its collapse.

The exhibition is open until March 30 at the House of Histories, T. Kosciuškos St. 3, Vilnius. The exhibition is held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda.

Photo: Silvestras Samsonas, LNM