European Archaeology Days – 13-15 of June in Vilnius

For the sixth time, the European Archaeology Days (EAD) are being held in Lithuania, taking place this year from June 13 to 15. The Vilnius Old Town Renewal Agency has been organizing EAD events since 2021. This year, three consecutive days will be dedicated to exploring the treasures of historical crafts in Vilnius Old Town through archaeology.

At the agency’s initiative, 13 events will be held in the historical part of the capital in 2025, hosted in the galleries and workshops of participants in the Vilnius City Municipality’s Crafts Program. Visitors will be introduced to archaeological research in the field of historical craftsmanship. The program will include lectures, presentations, and discussions—such as the introduction of 16th-century portrait stove tiles found in the northern part of the Lower Castle; archaeological amber finds; the craftsmanship of the Dankwart family’s string instruments and their restoration; and archaeological felt artifacts discovered in Lithuania.

Practical workshops will also be offered, including amber processing techniques, modeling interpretations of portrait tiles, weaving on century-old looms, and creating clay amulets and leather brooches based on historical Baltic designs. The art of enameling will be presented, and immersive educational experiences will feature reconstructed archaeological costumes, as well as the rings and crowns of rulers Barbora Radvilaitė and Sigismund Augustus. Visitors will have the opportunity to try on and take photos in archaeological costumes or with royal relics.

Similar events will take place in 30 European countries, with more than 5,000 events expected. The EAD began in France in 2010 and expanded across Europe in 2019. In 2020, the French National Archaeology Days became the European Archaeology Days. By 2021, over 830 initiatives were proposed across European countries, with more than 570 events in France alone. Since 2022, EAD has gained even more momentum. All individuals involved in archaeology help the public discover the treasures of national heritage and the secrets of the profession.

In Lithuania, organizations and individuals submit a wide range of activities each year: workshops, excursions, lectures, presentations, exhibitions, open spaces, livestreams, archaeological site visits, reconstructed open-air settlements, research labs, live and virtual events, and more. For more information about the goals and activities of the European Archaeology Days, visit: https://journees-archeologie.fr/

You are invited:

• Friday, June 13, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

• Saturday, June 14, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

• Sunday, June 15, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Come to the Enamel Art Studio (Šv. Stepono 10, Vilnius) and admire the works on the theme of lighthouses, created by artists from the enamel art studio camp-laboratory who resided at the Vydūnas Culture Center in Kintai.

The full event program can be found here:
https://www.vsaa.lt/naujienos/europos-archeologijos-dienos/