The House of Histories, the branch of the National Museum of Lithuania (LNM), invites families to spend the summer together – surrounded by the museum’s green courtyard, learning, discovering, playing, and having fun. Family weekends offer activities for visitors of all ages. In mid-June, the courtyard of the House of Histories buzzed with ethnographic activities, and on June 28, visitors are in for a dog-themed family weekend.

“This time, we’re inviting everyone to a dog-themed weekend – not only for children but also for anyone who values empathy, care, and our connection with animals. I believe that through play, learning, and art, we

can explore important topics – from history to our responsibilities toward those we’ve domesticated,” says Simona Širvydaitė-Šliupienė, Director of the House of Histories.

From Puppy Yoga to Training Workshops and Art: A Weekend for Dog Lovers

From the very first morning steps in the courtyard to the last moments of puppy yoga relaxation, each activity is designed to delight visitors of all ages and offer a playful, sensory journey not only into the world of dogs but also into self-discovery.

The weekend will kick off with an unexpected guest – the robot dog Unitree GO2 PRO with artificial intelligence, presented by Voltai.lt. Agile, flexible, and friendly, the robot will greet guests, accompany them to the exhibition“History Wags Its Tail”, perform a few tricks, and show how modern technology is drawing closer to the world of animals.

Young children (ages 4–8) can take part in a special educational session “Experience a Fairy Tale” together with a pug named Karl. This gentle journey through theatre, literature, and sensory play invites kids to search for friendship, imagine themselves as puppies, and become part of the story. It’s not just fun—it’s a meaningful lesson in empathy, care, and the fate of homeless animals.

All day long, families can enjoy the interactive game “Doggy Detective” – a fun-filled challenge for all ages to search for the missing Monsterdog bone, sniff around, bark, and explore the exhibition “History Wags Its Tail” through a dog’s perspective. Meanwhile, the courtyard will host educational activities from the Lithuanian Kennel Club, where visitors can learn about different dog breeds, their traits, and needs. Inside, canine therapist Ingrida Stasytienė and her gentle retriever Bruna will lead sessions on how to safely interact with dogs.

In the afternoon, dog training workshops by „SOS gyvūnai“ will liven up the courtyard, giving visitors a close-up look at dog behavior and training. In the creative corner, artist and children’s book illustrator Aušra Kiudulaitė will lead collage workshops. Kids and parents alike will cut, glue, and color – and reflect on how we’re similar (or different) from our pets. You’ll even get the chance to draw a blue dog. The artist encourages creative freedom: no rules, just imagination.

The day will end with puppy yoga by  „Puppy Yoga Lietuva“ – a soft, relaxing session where gentle movements blend with the comforting presence of playful pups. It’s more than just exercise; it’s an experience. Participants are invited to enjoy the moment, pet a pup, chat with the “SOS gyvūnai” team, and simply be – with themselves and with dogs.

This summer, the House of Histories (T. Kosciuškos St. 3, Vilnius) will host two more family weekends:

• July 12 – a Royal Family Weekend continuing the exhibition “Queen, Realms and Emotions” about Barbara Radziwiłł and Catherine Jagiellon
• August 9 – a Musical Family Weekend

The full program of the dog-themed family weekend is available here.