Educational programme at the exhibitions "Bright City, Dark Times: Vilnius through the Lens of 19th-Century Photographer Wilhelm Zacharczyk" / "Mindaugas Meškauskas. I Am Vilnius Citizen" / "Dovilė Dagienė. Here Then, There Now: Location – Vilnius"
7 October, 2025 – 8 March, 2026
Public Lectures
28 October 2025, 5.30 pm
Russian Vilna and the Land: Imperial Policy Goals in Lithuania after 1863
Dr Zita Medišauskienė (Lithuanian Institute of History)
4 November 2025, 5.30 pm
Vilnius Topography: Where Could Tauro Hill Have Been?
Darius Kontrimas (The Directorate of Vilnius Castles State Cultural Reserve)
25 November 2025, 5.30 pm
The Face of the Changing City: Vilnius Spaces and Everyday Life in Wilhelm Zacharczyk’s Photographs
Dr Juozapas Paškauskas (Lithuanian Institute of History)
6 January 2026, 5.30 pm
Vilnius Street Names as a Text Recording the Geography, History, and Culture of the Russian Empire (19th Century)
Dr Darius Staliūnas (Lithuanian Institute of History)
20 January 2026, 5.30 pm
Gediminas Hill Exposures: Research into the Burial Sites of 1863–1864 Insurgents
Valdas Steponaitis
3 February 2026, 5.30 pm
What to See in Vilnius? Proposals from the First Photographers
Dr Dainius Junevičius
Events
Tuesday, 10 February, 5.30 pm
Discussion “Is One Born or Does One Become a Vilnius Citizen?”
Thursday, 12 February, 5.30 pm
Presentation of the Book “19th-Century Photographer Wilhelm Józef Zacharczyk’s Vilnius Album”
Dr Margarita Matulytė and Dr Dainius Junevičius
Thursday, 26 February, 5.30 pm
Screening of the Film „Legacy of a 19th-Century Photographer“ and Conversation with Director Mindaugas Meškauskas, Film Participants Dainius Junevičius and Margarita Matulytė
Educational Activities
Workshop: The Birth of a 19th-Century Portrait – Ferrotype Demonstration
Tuesday, 27 January, 5.30 pm
Saturday, 21 February, 1 pm
In these demonstration workshops, photographer Mindaugas Meškauskas will perform a live demonstration of the 19th-century wet collodion process – a unique photographic method where a portrait comes to life before the viewers’ eyes. Participants will be able to follow the entire authentic process: from preparing the collodion-coated plate, exposure with a bellows camera, to the „magic moment“ when a living portrait emerges in the chemical bath.
In today’s digital world, this echoes an old, almost forgotten ritual – part science, part magic, and perhaps even a dream.
All historically characteristic stages are demonstrated – during the process, stronger aromas of ether, vinegar, and other chemicals are released.
NOTE: More sensitive visitors are advised to assess their potential reaction to the odours emitted by chemical substances.
Capital Collage
Vilnius emerging from the mist evokes photography’s silver age. Streets, panoramas, and the people captured in them inspire the creation of stories and dreams. After viewing photographs by 19th-century creators, we shall compare Vilnius then and now, recognise the most famous architectural monuments and locations, travelling back in time to the past. In the practical part, we shall create a photographic collage, colour and supplement photographs, and populate them with our own characters and experiences.
The activity is intended for pupils in years 1–12, young people, and adults. It can be adapted for pupils and adults with special needs and disabilities.
Searching for the City’s Identity
Is it possible to know a city by looking at a single photograph? What would Vilnius look like if it had to be described in one word? What would we preserve for future generations if we could photograph only one fragment of the city? During this education session, we shall familiarise ourselves with the work of 19th-century photographer Wilhelm Zacharczyk and contemporary artists, attempt to identify which Vilnius locations Zacharczyk captured, and search for connections with today’s photographic narratives. During the creative task, we shall draw in pencil a place that best reflects our personal relationship with Vilnius. All works will come together in a collective map of Vilnius, revealing the city’s multifaceted character.
The activity is intended for pupils in years 5–12, adults, and senior citizens. It can be adapted for pupils and adults with special needs.
Activity duration: 45–60 minutes
Interactive Education “Photographer’s Mission: Vilnius”
Do you think photography can tell a story? Does the city look the same in the 19th century and today? We invite you to an educational activity during which you will become a true Vilnius detective for one hour. During the session, we shall not only familiarise ourselves with the peculiarities of 19th-century photography but also look at how today’s artists tell the story of Vilnius through photography. Divided into groups, we shall embark on an adventure – exploring the views and people of Vilnius, searching for hidden clues and solving puzzles.
The activity is intended for pupils in years 1–12, adults, and senior citizens.
Activity duration: 45–60 minutes
To register for educational activities, please call +370 682 45 314, or email augustina.ivanauskaite@lndm.lt
Tours
Tour with Exhibition Curators
Sunday, 25 January, 1 pm
Tuesday, 17 February, 5.30 pm
Sunday, 8 March, 1 pm
Tour with Mindaugas Meškauskas
Sunday, 18 January, 1 pm
Tour with Dovilė Dagienė
Sunday, 15 February, 1 pm
Sunday Tours with Museum Guide
7 December 2025, 1 pm
8 February 2026, 1 pm
4 Didžioji st, Vilnius, Lithuania
+370 5 261 1685
vpg@lndm.lt
