European Heritage Days 2026 in Vilnius: history, crafts and string instrument making

European Heritage Days – these are free events held every September in Lithuania, inviting you to get to know the cultural heritage and discover the history that is right next to us.

The theme of the 2026 European Heritage Days is „"Cultural Heritage: Protect, Nurture, Revitalize"“. This year's events invite us to look at heritage more broadly - not only as surviving buildings or historical spaces, but also as traditions, crafts, and knowledge passed down from person to person.

String instrument craftsmanship in Vilnius Old Town

September 17th at 5 p.m. we invite you to „"G. Rūkas. String instruments and bows"“, located Savičius St. 10, Vilnius.

The event will take place in authentic, beautifully restored premises of Vilnius' Old Town. Here, historical architectural heritage meets the vibrant craftsmanship of traditional crafts.

During the event, you will be able to get to know the String instrument makers who worked in Vilnius in the 17th century, their dynasties and craftsmanship traditions. The crafts of stringed instrument production and restoration that are preserved and continued today will also be presented.

How is a string instrument born?

During the meeting you will learn:, What wood are stringed instruments made of?, how their production and restoration processes take place, and what knowledge and diligence the work of a master requires.

Event participants will not only be able to observe the craftsmanship, but also to hear the live sound of string instruments.

Special attention will be paid to Balthazar Dankwart – you will learn who this master was, what made his instruments stand out, and what place he holds in the history of Vilnius string instruments.

This is an opportunity to learn about history not only by reading about it, but also see, hear and feel the living tradition of the craft.

Event information

📅 September 17, 2026.
🕔 5:00 p.m.
📍 Savičius St. 10, Vilnius
🎟️ The event is free.
👥 The number of places is limited, registration is required.

Registration:
📧 gerardas@grukas.com
📞 +370 613 50545

We invite you to European Heritage Days event in Vilnius, where the architecture, history and live craftsmanship of string instruments will come together.

The project is implemented by VSAA "When the Walls of Vilnius Old Town Talk About Crafts".