Portrait of Dominik Hieronim Radziwiłł, Polish nobleman

Radvila Palace

Radvila Palace: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and a Complete Guide to Vilnius Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Legacy and Significance of Radvila Palace

Radvila Palace stands as the only surviving Renaissance palace in Vilnius, offering a rare and evocative window into Lithuania’s aristocratic and architectural heritage. Situated in Vilnius Old Town, this historic palace was commissioned by Jonušas Radvila, a prominent Lithuanian noble, between 1635 and 1653. Architect Jonas Ullrich designed the palace, blending Netherlands Renaissance style with local Mannerist elements and drawing inspiration from iconic European structures like the Château de Fontainebleau and the Luxembourg Palace (Wikipedia; Lithuanian National Museum of Art).

Despite centuries of damage and neglect—most notably during the Muscovite invasion of the mid-17th century—Radvila Palace has been meticulously restored and transformed into a vibrant museum. Today it serves as a cultural hub, showcasing a remarkable collection of European and Lithuanian art, hosting special exhibitions, and offering educational programs. Its central location and accessibility make it an essential stop for anyone seeking to experience Vilnius’ Renaissance heritage and dynamic cultural scene (Lithuania Travel; InTravel).

Historical Overview

Early Construction and Noble Patronage

Radvila Palace (Lithuanian: Radvilų rūmai) traces its origins to the influential Radvila (Radziwiłł) family, who established a wooden mansion on this site in the 16th century. The stone palace we see today was built under Jonušas Radvila, whose vision and European sensibilities shaped its architectural character. Designed by Jonas Ullrich, the palace’s symmetrical layout and decorative details echo the grandeur of French and Dutch Renaissance landmarks (Wikipedia; Keturios Sostines).

Periods of Decline and Loss

The mid-17th-century Muscovite invasion left Radvila Palace in ruins. Over the following centuries, the palace suffered further neglect and damage, particularly during World War I. By the 20th century, only fragments of the original complex—primarily the northern wing and a single pavilion—remained (Keturios Sostines).

Restoration and Revival

A significant restoration effort began in 1967, focusing on stabilizing and reconstructing the remaining structures. By the 1980s, enough of the palace had been restored to house a branch of the Lithuanian National Art Museum. The 21st century brought renewed investment, with major restoration projects culminating in 2023. These efforts restored lost wings, revitalized courtyards, and modernized facilities, blending historical authenticity with contemporary museum standards (Made in Vilnius; Neakivaizdinis Vilnius).

Architectural and Artistic Significance

Radvila Palace is a unique example of Renaissance architecture in Lithuania, distinguished by its symmetrical form, ornate façades, and Mannerist details. The building’s restoration has preserved the original masonry, decorative cornices, and pilasters typical of the Netherlands Renaissance style (Mexico Historico; tura.lt).

Inside, visitors will find vaulted ceilings, period finishes, and spaces that once housed lavish halls adorned with Western European artworks. The museum now displays an impressive collection of Old Master paintings—including works by Bartholomeus Spranger and Jan Brueghel the Younger—as well as Lithuanian art from the 19th and 20th centuries (Lithuanian National Museum of Art; Wikipedia).

Radvila Palace Museum of Art: Permanent and Temporary Collections

Permanent Collection

The palace’s permanent exhibitions feature:

European Old Master Paintings: Dutch, Flemish, Italian, French, and German works from the 16th–19th centuries.
Lithuanian Art: Paintings and decorative arts tracing the evolution of national artistic traditions.
Sculpture and Decorative Arts: European sculptures, furniture, and ceramics.

A highlight is the hall of 165 engraved Radvila family portraits, a testament to the dynasty’s historical prominence (lndm.lt).

Temporary Exhibitions (2025)

Notable 2025 exhibitions include:

Janina Sabaliauskaitė’s “Pleasure” (May 23 – September 28, 2025): Contemporary photography exploring sensuality and intimacy (Vilnius Events).
Everything You Are Not Supposed to Do (March 13 – September 28, 2025): A dialogue between 21st-century Lithuanian female artists and historical painting (Vilnius Events).

Special exhibitions regularly feature international collaborations, contemporary themes, and multimedia installations.

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Totorių gatvė 2/8, Vilnius Old Town (InTravel)
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Multilingual signage and staff assistance are available.

Opening Hours

General Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays (Lithuanian National Museum of Art)
Special Events: Extended hours during events like Culture Night

Tickets

Admission: €6 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and groups
Guided Tours: Available in Lithuanian and English; advance booking recommended (from €25 per group)
Free Admission: Last Sunday of each month

Tickets can be purchased at the museum or online (govilnius.lt).

Visitor Services

Facilities: Cloakroom, lockers, restrooms, and a gift shop
Family-Friendly: Interactive exhibits and educational programming for children
Photography: Permitted in most areas (no flash or tripods unless specified)
COVID-19 Protocols: Check the official website for current guidelines

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: Easily accessible by public transport; paid parking nearby
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Local Sights: Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Palace of the Grand Dukes, Vilnius University, Užupis district

Consider combining your visit to Radvila Palace with other Vilnius historical sites for a full day of cultural exploration (Space24).

Special Events and Public Programming

Radvila Palace participates in annual events such as Culture Night (Kultūros naktis), offering free late-night access and special programming. The museum also collaborates with local and international partners on educational workshops, lectures, and family activities (Jennifer Empey).

Digital and Virtual Offerings

Virtual Tours: Available on the museum’s website, including interactive maps and alt-tagged images for accessibility
Online Resources: Digital catalogues, educational materials, and video lectures

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Radvila Palace visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: €6 for adults; discounts available for students, seniors, and groups. Free on the last Sunday of each month.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Lithuanian and English. Advance booking is recommended.

Q: Is Radvila Palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the museum is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photos inside the museum?
A: Photography is allowed in most galleries; flash and tripods may be restricted.

Q: Are there any free admission days?
A: Yes, the last Sunday of each month offers free entry.

Summary and Tips for Travelers

Radvila Palace is a cornerstone of Vilnius’ cultural landscape, blending Renaissance architectural splendor with a dynamic program of art exhibitions and community events. Its carefully restored interiors, impressive collections, and accessible amenities make it a rewarding destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and families alike.