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Vilnius welcomed the treasures of Malbork – the opening of an international exhibition
On 8 September 2026, the international temporary exhibition ‘Eina garsas nuo Malburgo… Treasures of Malbork’ was officially opened at the National Museum of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius. The exhibition in Vilnius is the result of partnership between two institutions: the National Museum of the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius and the Malbork Castle Museum. The exhibition’s narrative covers the complete history of Malbork Castle, from its Teutonic origins, through the era of the Polish-Lithuanian kings and the Prussian occupiers, to the contemporary efforts to safeguard this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is no coincidence that all the exhibits on display come from the collection of the Malbork Castle Museum. The institution celebrates its 65th anniversary this year and is proud to present its collection at the exhibition in Vilnius.
Visitors can admire Malbork’s treasures in the Lithuanian capital from 8 September to 22 November 2026.
International exhibition
The vision of the exhibition’s organisers is best summed up by the words of the Director of the Malbork Castle Museum, Dr Janusz Trupinda, who said during the official opening:
Honourable Ministers, Director, Distinguished Guests!
The National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and the Malbork Castle Museum are two national cultural institutions that have proven crucial in shaping the historical memory of both Lithuanians and Poles. Visitors can learn not only about the history of the individual castles, but also about significant processes and events in the history of Lithuania, Poland, as well as Central and Eastern Europe. These are two museums of great importance to the historical policies of both countries. They organise exhibitions, conserve exhibits, and carry out educational and research activities. Both institutions manage castles with medieval origins, and although their walls have, for the most part, been rebuilt, restored or reconstructed, the castles in Vilnius and Malbork in particular share a common and complex history. That is precisely why our exhibition begins with a presentation of the medieval history of Malbork, a place administered by the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, from where devastating expeditions against Lithuania were launched and reached the castle in Vilnius. This is therefore our shared history, to which artists, writers and poets have referred, including the aforementioned Adam Mickiewicz and Jonas Mačiulis – Maironis.
It therefore seems obvious that places so closely linked historically, as well as institutions that are almost twin institutions, should work together. And indeed, this has been the case for many years. We keep in touch, exchange experiences and, above all, we get on well. Drawing on our experience of the post-war reconstruction of Malbork Castle, we have actively supported efforts aimed at reconstructing Vilnius Castle. We have helped to preserve the surviving original architectural elements and to build a modern museum, which we greatly admire for its outstanding work. The partnership agreement we signed during the meeting between the Presidents of Lithuania and Poland is therefore, on the one hand, a formal recognition of our partnership, but also an important step in its development. It envisages joint activities not only at the institutional level, but also in many areas of their operations, and – what is particularly important to me – meetings and the exchange of experiences between our colleagues. This exhibition is the first tangible step on this path, and we already know it is not the last. I am very grateful to my friend, Dr Vydas Dolinskas, Director of the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius, and to his colleagues at the Palace in Vilnius for their warmth, openness and support.
We have organised this exhibition during very difficult and complex times, with war raging just beyond our borders. A menacing aggressor has been doing everything in its power to destabilise the situation in our countries and across the entire region. Despite this situation, we have made a conscious decision to present ‘The Treasures of Malbork’, as we are convinced that now, more than ever, we must demonstrate partnership and unity, friendship and trust – which are the antidote to hatred and aggression. After all, it is well known that culture plays a vital role in building national identity, shaping civic attitudes and fostering patriotism. We find countless examples of this in the history of our countries. May this exhibition, showcasing the fruits of 65 years’ work by the staff of the Malbork Castle Museum – who have restored the castle walls and their original furnishings and assembled the museum’s collections – serve as a building block in the process of fostering partnership, friendship and understanding between our institutions, as well as between our nation.
Vilnius, 8 September 2026
Read more about the exhibition in the article (available in Polish): Treasures of Malbork in the Lithuanian capital
Co-funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage as part of the Inspiring Culture 2026-2027 programme. Project title: Eina garsas nuo Malburgo… The Treasures of Malbork – preparation of a temporary exhibition as part of the ‘Inspiring Culture 2026-2027’ programme, carried out in partnership with the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius.
The exhibition is organised with the support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, headed by Marta Cienkowska.
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