On 28 July at 5 p.m., join us for a special guided tour of the exhibition “Unearthing Great Synagogue of Vilna”. The tour will be led by Prof. Jon Seligman of the Israel Antiquities Authority, one of the initiators and directors of the archaeological excavations of the Great Synagogue of Vilna and the surrounding shulhoyf.
Built in the 17th century, the Great Synagogue was one of the most important centres of Jewish religious and cultural life in Eastern Europe. The building was severely damaged during the Nazi occupation and completely demolished after the Second World War.
Systematic archaeological excavations of the synagogue and the shulhoyf began in 2011. Over more than a decade, the international research team has uncovered approximately 5,000 artefacts dating from the 16th to the 20th century, including religious objects, architectural and interior elements, and items reflecting the everyday life of Vilnius’s Jewish community. A selection of the conserved and restored finds is now presented in the exhibition “Unearthing the Great Synagogue of Vilna”.
During the tour, Prof. Jon Seligman will introduce the history of the excavations and their most significant discoveries. Afterwards, participants will have the exceptional opportunity to visit the archaeological site of the Great Synagogue, where he will present the ongoing research and the latest finds.
Advance registration is required, as capacity is limited: https://forms.office.com/e/g0xCGF8yhi
Date: 28 July, 5 p.m.
Venue: Museum of Culture and Identity of Lithuanian Jews, Pylimo St. 4A
The event will be held in English
The museum tour ticket costs €10. The visit to the archaeological excavation site after the tour is a special additional opportunity available to event participants.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/4416635165331070/
The tour is organized by:
Vilna Gaon Museum of Jewish History
Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community
Good Will Foundation