The neo-Baroque Petras Vileisis Palace was built in the beginning of the 20th century, and is located on the terraced Neris riverside next to the splendid Church of St Peter and St Paul.
A grand neo-Baroque building complex greets visitors upon entering the palace grounds. The main facade reflects the splendour of the building, which continues throughout the interior with its preserved authentic details such as doors, windows, Dutch-tile stoves and metal chandeliers. When it was built, Vileisis Palace was one of the most exceptional and innovative architectural examples of its time. Lady Vileisiene was the first person in Vilnius to have her own bathroom, and the whole building complex was supplied with electricity.
After more than a century, the grand appearance of the palace still catches the interest of passers-by, who are invited to visit the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore. Furthermore, the current ethos of the Institute is not far from P. Vileisis’ original intention to nurture and promote the Lithuanian identity.
