A groundbreaking international exhibition, “Queens, Realms, and Emotions,” is set to open this Wednesday at the House of Histories, a dynamic division of the National Museum of Lithuania. This significant cultural event delves into the captivating lives of two of the 16th century’s most influential figures: Barbora Radvilait?, who became Queen of Poland-Lithuania, and Catherine Jagiellon, who ascended to become Queen of Sweden. Under the esteemed patronage of former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskait?, the exhibition marks a historic first for the nation, bringing together an unprecedented collection of original artefacts connected to these formidable women, meticulously gathered from prestigious museums in Hungary, Sweden, and Poland.
Moving beyond a conventional historical retrospective, the show innovatively weaves together narrative history, contemporary art, and modern design to present a deeply personal and emotional lens on the queens' lives. It seeks to illuminate the profound, yet often overlooked, role of women in shaping history by exploring their intimate experiences, pivotal political decisions, and enduring cultural legacies. Julija Janus, the concept author and a curator of the exhibit, powerfully frames its mission: “For centuries, history has been written by men and seen through their eyes. Barbora and Catherine are proof that women have always been part of history – creating, feeling, risking, and changing the world, even if their names weren’t always on the front pages.”
The exhibition is designed to resonate deeply with modern audiences. As historian and co-curator Dr. Milda Kvizikevi?i?t? explains, the goal is to inspire visitors to “see history as a living, relevant phenomenon – where emotions, values, and personal decisions are just as significant as political events.” This thematic approach is brought to life through a stunning array of notable highlights. These include a 16th-century painting of the Battle of Orsha, on loan from Warsaw’s National Museum, which features Barbora’s father, Jerzy Radziwi??; exquisitely crafted jewellery attributed to Catherine’s sister, Isabella Jagiellon; a replica of Catherine’s wedding crown; and one of Barbora’s posthumous insignias, recently discovered in Vilnius Cathedral.
To further bridge the centuries, the exhibition integrates powerful interpretations from renowned contemporary Lithuanian artists and designers, including Juozas Statkevi?ius and Agn? Kuzmickait?. Their works engage in a vibrant visual dialogue with the historical objects, emphasizing the timeless nature of the human experience. Co-curator and art historian Dr. Vaida Rag?nait? notes, “As in the past, a person still experiences youth, maturity, searches for meaning, faces loss. These universal experiences bring us closer to the heroines of the past, allowing us to experience their stories not as a distant past, but as a living, close experience.” Following its debut in Lithuania, this collaborative exhibition will travel to the Uppsala Castle Art Museum in Sweden, a fitting homage to Queen Catherine Jagiellon's legacy and a testament to the show’s international significance and powerful narrative.
The exhibition runs through January 4, 2026.
