Educational programme
Sightseeing Tours in Kaunas
Discover the City’s Modernist Heritage
On 9 September, conference participants will have the opportunity to join a guided sightseeing tour and discover the unique architectural heritage of Kaunas.
Known for its distinctive modernist architecture, Kaunas preserves a unique interwar legacy. In 2023, this exceptional heritage was recognised by UNESCO, when the modernist district of Kaunas was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the walking tour, participants will explore the New Town area and learn how the period of 1919–1939 shaped the city’s identity, architecture, and cultural development.
Often referred to as the golden period in Kaunas history, the interwar years transformed the city into a modern European capital. After becoming the temporary capital of Lithuania, Kaunas experienced rapid growth, with new public buildings, residential districts, and infrastructure reflecting the aspirations of a young and developing state.
The tour will reveal the stories behind the distinctive facades of Kaunas apartment buildings, as well as landmark public buildings such as the Central Post Office and the Bank of Lithuania. These buildings reflect how architecture was used to express the identity and aspirations of the newly independent Lithuanian state. Participants will also visit the site of Kaunas’ first power plant and discover the story of early electrification in the city, including the challenges and costs of bringing electric lighting to homes and streets.
Beyond its architectural heritage, Kaunas today is a vibrant cultural and academic centre, known for its contemporary art scene, street art, theatres, and strong connections to science and education.
We invite all conference participants to take this opportunity to experience Kaunas beyond the conference venue and discover the city’s history, creativity, and modern identity.
Registration is obligatory. Available at the information desk during the conference.
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A Journey Through Lithuania’s Heritage - Visit to Rumšiškės
On 10 September, conference participants will join a tour of the Lithuanian Ethnographic Museum in Rumšiškės, exploring Lithuania’s traditional culture and regional heritage.
Located on the shores of the Kaunas Reservoir, the museum is one of the largest open-air ethnographic museums in Europe, covering an area of 195 hectares.
Established in 1966, it presents the traditional lifestyle, architecture, customs, and everyday activities of Lithuania’s historical regions: Dzūkija, Aukštaitija, Suvalkija, Žemaitija, and Lithuania Minor.
During the visit, participants will explore authentic farmsteads, traditional buildings, and historic objects that reflect the life and work of Lithuanian villagers and townspeople from the late 18th to the first half of the 20th century. The museum’s landscape of villages, homesteads, gardens, chapels, and traditional craft buildings offers a unique opportunity to experience Lithuania’s cultural heritage in an authentic setting.
Registration is obligatory. Available at the information desk during the conference.