The House of Histories of the National Museum of Lithuania (LNM) invites visitors to spend the summer together—surrounded by greenery in the museum courtyard, engaging in learning, discovery, play, and entertainment. Family Weekends are designed for museum visitors of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. On July 12, a royal-themed Family Weekend will await guests, extending the themes of the international exhibition “Queens, Realms, and Emotions”.

“We want each Family Weekend activity to feel like a small journey into the past—an invitation to discover, feel, and imagine. Here, children and adults alike become not only spectators but participants in a history they can touch, smell, or even wear,” says Simona Širvydaitė-Šliupienė, Head of the House of Histories.

Guided Tours and Medieval Dancing

On July 12, the courtyard and interior spaces of the House of Histories will transform into royal halls—woven with the stories of queens, old court dances, living legends, and the secrets of scents. This Family Weekend continues the themes of the international exhibition “Queens, Realms, and Emotions”, which tells the story of 16th-century queens Barbara Radziwiłł and Catherine Jagiellon.

Visitors can take their first steps into the world of queens with a guide: the exhibition tour will explore not only the winding lives of these royal women but also the broader geopolitical backdrop of their time—from diplomatic marriages to personal power and the myths that later surrounded them. Tours will be held twice—once in the morning and once in the afternoon—so that everyone can find a convenient time.

Out in the museum courtyard, guests will be greeted by the sounds of music and traditional dance. Dancers from “Viduramžiai LT”, dressed in historical costumes, will revive the spirit of a courtly feast. They will invite visitors to join the dance circle, feel the rhythm, and learn a few steps.

Royal Accessories and Scents

Those wishing to adorn themselves in royal fashion can head to the second floor of the House of Histories, where crown-making workshops will be held. Here, every head—young or old—will deserve a special crown.

“The bigger, the grander!” says art educator Rita Urbonaitė, who will help participants craft their royal adornments.

There will be no shortage of active fun in the courtyard either—Liuda Kučinskienė, an enthusiast of classic playground games, will teach the art of rubber band jumping, a pastime sure to bring joy to both young royals and the parents or grandparents who accompany them.

Those who wish to train their sense of smell are encouraged to visit the scent workshop in the educational hall on the first floor. Chemist and perfumer Aistra Papaitė-Kazlauskienė will open the doors to the fragrant world of Barbara Radziwiłł’s palace. Participants will explore spices, flowers, and essential oils, mix their own bath salts, and decorate the containers with ribbons, moss, or dried blossoms. The royal scent will become a fragrant keepsake to take home. This activity is open to children from the age of four.

At the exhibition itself, visitors can also smell a historical fragrance inspired by Barbara Radziwiłł, created especially for the exhibition by ambassador A. Papaitė-Kazlauskienė.

All Family Weekend activities are thoughtfully designed to offer an immersive encounter with the past— not through textbooks or books, but through dance, scent, play, and creativity. The House of Histories invites everyone to spend a day that reminds us: a royal bearing can begin right here, the moment you don a crown or step into a courtly dance.

The official mascot of Family Weekends is Mykolas the Mouse. His image graces not only the visual identity of the events but also the souvenirs created for children at the House of Histories.

Another Family Weekend awaits visitors this summer at the House of Histories (T. Kosciuškos St. 3, Vilnius) on August 9.

For more information about the Royal Family Weekend activities: click here.