A unique exhibition of old maps opened: interactive experiences, a treasure trove of Lithuanian archives and lessons in critical thinking | Culture

You want to inspire pride in Lithuania

The exhibition of old maps “Lithuania in Europe” was prepared by NŽT on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Lithuania’s membership in the European Union. Having collected unique works of historical cartography, its organizers wanted to show how mature, impressive and unique the history of our country is.

Although researching the past can sometimes seem boring, Audrius Gelžinis, head of the Public Relations Department of NŽT, says that the aim of the exhibition curators was to create interesting and engaging experiences for visitors. Therefore, according to him, efforts have been made to present the treasury of the country’s archives in a modern and attractive way.

“A really rich experience awaits visitors to the exhibition. While preparing the exhibits, we created engaging infographic stands and interactive screens showcasing the collection of 17th-18th century old maps stored in the country’s archives. And it contains real, original old maps, unique state atlases that can be touched live and used. We wanted to open up the security of the country to visitors of the exhibition, which would allow them to get to know the history of Lithuania and understand the current geopolitical context”, says A. Gelžinis.

The marketing manager of Vilnius Outlet, Edgaras Valickas, agrees with this. According to him, this shopping and leisure center strives every day to provide its visitors not only with the best shopping experience, but also to provide experiences that enrich, surprise and allow for improvement.

“We are currently living in difficult geopolitical circumstances. Therefore, now more than ever, it is important to foster statehood, to inspire the people of Lithuania to be proud of the country’s history. We constantly organize educational events that fully enrich visitors. This exhibition is no exception, as it presents a unique opportunity to learn as much as possible about our past encoded in the old cartography”, says E. Valickas.

The exhibits are intriguing

According to A. Gelžinis, the exhibits of the exhibition inviting to see the uniqueness of Lithuania were collected in an effort to reflect the long-term experience of our country’s history on the European continent. And this was done without political interpretations and speculations that occur in today’s geopolitical context.

“Vilnius Outlet” photo/Opened a unique exhibition of old maps: interactive experiences, a treasure trove of Lithuanian archives and lessons in critical thinking

“Each exhibit of the exhibition is like a separate story and a unique situation that tells its own facts. It is presented to the visitors by the primary sources of historical cartography, testifying to historical situations, allowing to evaluate and understand the real, factual context. We are proud that we have managed to collect the totality of historical cartographic material, which we present sequentially, revealing meanings that are particularly relevant today. These maps show that primary material, original sources and allow us to become more resistant to the challenges of today’s information warfare based on episodic historical information,” he notes.

When asked what the visitors of the exhibition will see after visiting, A. Gelžinis shares the most interesting exhibits. According to him, the guests of the event will find out when Lithuania was first mentioned on world maps. The exhibition will also tell why cartographers added the epithet “pagans” to the only Lithuanians on medieval maps, and Birža and Zarasa were assigned to Žemaitija.

“Vilnius Outlet” photo/Opened a unique exhibition of old maps: interactive experiences, a treasure trove of Lithuanian archives and lessons in critical thinking

“If you want to see what the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact map or our state passport looks like, visit this exhibition. There are many reasons to visit, as the event invites you to embark on breathtaking explorations of Lithuanian history and get to know the mysterious world of old maps. Therefore, if you are curious, clever and want to understand more and develop critical thinking, you will not be disappointed”, promises A. Gelžinis.

The interviewers invite you not only to visit the “Lithuania in Europe” exhibition of old maps, which is already underway at Vilnius Outlet, but also to participate in a special presentation of the exhibition. April 30, 5 p.m. the curators of the event will tell about the circumstances of the first mention of Lithuania’s name on old medieval maps. Interesting insights, unexpected facts, many secrets of old cartography await the participants of the event, and the discussion will be crowned by a quiz organized exclusively for this presentation.

The free exhibition of historical cartography “Lithuania in Europe” will be waiting for the visitors of “Vilnius Outlet” until May 3rd, on the 2nd floor, near the Infocenter.