For the seventh time, the National Museum of Lithuania invites everyone across the country to celebrate European Archaeology Days. This year, the event is being organized by nearly 50 institutions, offering around 100 free events: educational activities, guided tours, lectures, workshops, concerts, archaeological hikes, and hands-on experiences in experimental archaeology.

This weekend of events offers a unique opportunity not only to learn about the science of archaeology but also to connect with the past in person—to try traditional crafts, explore behind-the-scenes aspects of archaeology, and discover the local history of your region.
Free events will be held in every county of Lithuania, and organizers encourage everyone to explore what’s happening in their local area.

Held on June 13–15, European Archaeology Days is an international initiative launched in France, with an increasing number of Lithuanian museums, cultural centers, communities, and archaeology professionals taking part each year. “We are seeing a steady increase not only in the number of participants, but also in the quality of the events being offered. This year, the program stands out for its creativity and the chance to get hands-on with archaeology—to see the processes behind this science up close,” says Dr. Rūta Kačkutė, Director General of the National Museum of Lithuania and initiator of European Archaeology Days in Lithuania.

From Discussions to Experimental Archaeology Workshops

Participants can look forward to themed tours to archaeological and historical sites such as the hillforts of Kernavė and Birštonas, Gediminas Castle Tower, the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and the cellars of Biržai Castle. Hikes will take visitors to the Meškučiai and Kumelionys hillforts. No less fascinating are the exhibitions revealing archaeological finds and layers of cultural history: “Unique 13th–14th Century Rings” in Burbiškis, “The History of Žiežmariai Through Archaeological Finds” in Kaišiadorys, “Heritage – Mine, Society’s, the State’s?” in Biržai, “Living Archaeology of Kernavė” in Kernavė, “Centuries-Old Finds from Radikiai” in Raudondvaris, “Memory of the City: Archaeologists” in Kaunas, “Unholy Finds” and “History Wags Its Tail” in Vilnius.

This year, the Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency has gathered numerous craftspeople to host exclusive creative workshops. Visitors will have the chance to: Sculpt portrait stove tiles, craft amulets based on historical Baltic designs, try on Renaissance-style jewelry, create a custom Baltic leather brooch, learn felting techniques, and grind, polish, and drill amber.

The program includes a variety of lectures and panel discussions. For example: In the Kaunas City Museum, visitors will explore the ethics of using metal detectors, at the Panevėžys Museum of Local Lore, 17th–19th century pipes and smoking culture in Vilnius will be presented, The Kretinga Museum will host a discussion on archaeological research in manors, In Kernavė, a talk will examine the significance of metals in Baltic culture, The Ignalina Museum will showcase the region’s archaeological heritage, The Museum of Ethnocosmology will reveal the everyday life of archaeologists. These are unique opportunities to hear not just about individual archaeological finds but also about broader cultural and scientific contexts.

As every year, the official organizer of the European Archaeology Days in Lithuania – the National Museum of Lithuania – will present the richest event program, inviting everyone to spend the weekend in the Old Arsenal Courtyard.

Focus on Community and Families

The events of European Archaeology Days are designed for everyone interested in the history of their region—especially families with children. A wide range of educational activities awaits young participants, including tile molding, spear throwing, and other experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the excitement of archaeology through play and creativity.

Dr. Rūta Kačkutė emphasizes that European Archaeology Days offer an excellent opportunity for local communities to discover their heritage: “These events help foster a sense of community based on respect for our history and a desire to understand how we are connected to the past. Every event is not only an engaging activity, but also a chance to strengthen community bonds and uncover the hidden layers beneath our feet—layers that shape our identity today.”

Organizers and Accessibility

European Archaeology Days in Lithuania are organized by the National Museum of Lithuania in partnership with: the Lithuanian Archaeological Society, the Faculty of History at Vilnius University, the Department of Cultural Heritage, the Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology at Klaipėda University.

As in previous years, most events are free of charge. Many are open to all, though pre-registration is required for some. The program spans all of Lithuania – not only Vilnius and Kaunas, but also Birštonas, Biržai, Kernavė, Palanga, Panevėžys, Rokiškis, Širvintos, Telšiai, Trakai, and many other towns.

The full program is available on the website: click here.