The National Museum of Lithuania (LNM) presents the traveling exhibition “History Wags Its Tail”, which is now also available to visit at the Vilnius shopping and entertainment center Akropolis. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the bond between humans and dogs from ancient times to the present day. It is displayed in a non-traditional setting – a shopping center – with the aim of bringing history closer to people’s everyday lives and encouraging interest in cultural heritage.

Dogs – Participants in History

The exhibition “History Wags Its Tail,” originally displayed at the House of Histories, invites visitors to view dogs not only as loyal companions but also as important participants in history. Various artifacts are showcased here, illustrating the role of dogs throughout different historical periods – from the Stone Age to modern times. Visitors can see authentic dog skeletons, archaeological finds, artworks, and other exhibits that reveal the place of dogs in human life through the ages.

This exhibition is presented not only in the museum’s traditional spaces but also at Vilnius Akropolis shopping center. “Our goal is to bring history closer to people. A display in a shopping center allows us to reach those who might not visit a museum otherwise. This is a way to speak about history in a modern way – in places where people spend their everyday lives – and to encourage them to visit the museum,” says Jurga Strimaitienė, Head of the Communication and Marketing Department at the National Museum of Lithuania.

An Exhibition in a Non-Traditional Space

Vilnius Akropolis is one of the most visited shopping centers in Lithuania, attracting thousands of people every day. Many young people and families visit this location, making the mobile exhibition stand of “History Wags Its Tail” an appealing opportunity for children, teenagers, and their parents to engage with history in a new way.

“A shopping center is a great place to reach a wide audience. We are glad to support this educational initiative and to offer visitors a cultural experience in a familiar environment,” says Paulius Pocius, Head of Marketing and Communication at Akropolis Group. The exhibition will run in the shopping center until the end of summer, inviting visitors to pause and explore history through the lens of the bond between humans and dogs.

The exhibition is supported by the general sponsor KIKA, which has long contributed to the promotion of dog welfare, education, and responsible pet care in Lithuania. “It’s important to us not only to care for animal welfare today, but also to foster an understanding of their importance in human history. We’re happy to support an initiative that educates and inspires. This partnership is more than an investment – it’s a shared creative process. Culture is a living organism; it grows, evolves, and responds to the world. That’s why businesses that support culture are investing in society’s identity, values, and sense of community,” says Janita J. Plungė, founder of KIKA Group.

The traveling exhibition “History Wags Its Tail” by the National Museum of Lithuania will be open at Vilnius Akropolis until the end of August. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition and discover the story of human and dog companionship. The exhibition is free and open to all.

More information about the exhibition at the House of Histories is available on the website of the National Museum of Lithuania: click here.

Photo: Silvestras Samsonas, LNM