On the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the institution of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, the President of the Republic of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite invites everyone Thursday, April 4 to visit the open door day of the Presidential Palace and get to know the history of the President's institution, and at the same time, the history of the entire independent state.
in 1918 February 16 The Council of Lithuania declared the independence of Lithuania. After the occupation of Vilnius and the institutions moving to Kaunas, in 1919 April 4 The State Council established the institution of the President and elected Antanas Smetonas as the first President of Lithuania. This is how the history of the President's institution began, which has been going on for a century.
The institution of the President of the Republic of Lithuania is an integral part of the concept of statehood, therefore a visit to the Presidential Palace is not only an exceptional opportunity to get to know historical spaces, but also a lively tour of the state's history.
The current Presidential Palace on Simon Daukant Square was first mentioned in written sources in 1387. Since ancient times, the palace has been at the center of important state events. For more than 600 years, bishops and governors-general have settled in them, kings, tsars, the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and other historical figures have stayed here.
For centuries, the political life of the state revolved around this palace - rebuilt, burnt down and reconstructed again with the efforts of famous architects. It is no coincidence that in 1997 they became the workplace of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, which continues to be visited by foreign heads of state and top politicians.
During the tours, guests will get to know the history of the President's institution, the President's functions and work space, and will be able to visit other interesting places of the palace that visitors do not usually see.
It will be possible to visit the Presidential Palace on Thursday, April 4, from 15:20 to 19.30:XNUMX, the last guests are admitted at XNUMX:XNUMX. Entrance from the side of S. Daukantas Square, prior registration is not required.
In commemoration of the centenary of the President's institution, the State Recognition Center will open a new exhibition to introduce the highest state awards given to Lithuanian leaders. The story about the awards will complement the permanent exhibition, where you can get to know all the leaders of independent Lithuania and their hobbies, learn about the history of the Presidential Palace.
