On April 4-5, 2025, the Volyn Foundation had the privilege of hosting our Lithuanian partners for a special blended tour to Ukraine. It was a part of the DGTRAN/Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine press conference. This tour gave a unique opportunity for our partners to explore the rich cultural heritage of Lutsk and its links to Vytautas the Great.
The two-day tour began on April 4th, with our Lithuanian guests arriving in Lutsk in the afternoon, followed by a warm welcome. After a leisurely lunch, the participants enjoyed their first excursion: a visit to the Museum of Volyn Icon, where they explored a fascinating collection of religious artwork. The evening continued with a walking tour of Lutsk city, providing a glimpse into its charm.
Day two started with a breakfast before the fascinating tour to Lutsk Castle, the main object of the Historical and Cultural Reserve “Old Lutsk.” The group had the chance to explore its medieval halls and imagine the lifestyle of Vyatus the Great there. Then, guests visited the Art Museum, where they learned more about the region’s artistic heritage. A Q&A session after the excursion sparked discussions on the intersection of history and art.
The highlight of the day was the press conference at the Museum Space “Okolny Castle” where Volyn Foundation, along with all project partners, shared the achievements of the DGTRAN project. Afterward, our partners from Lithuania were treated to a special tour of the museum, led by Oksana Shtanko, a researcher of Lutsk’s urban history and Head of the Research and Exhibition Department of the Museum Space. Her storytelling brought the space to life, incorporating centuries of history in the place where it all happened. It was a perfect way to round off the day — informative, inspiring, and full of ghosts and mysteries.
After the official part, the group enjoyed a lunch break at the Restaurant “Korona Vitovta,” where we discussed traditional Ukrainian dishes, the role of Lesya Ukrainka in Ukrainian literature, and many other topics.
The tour concluded with a visit to the Korsak Museum of Contemporary Ukrainian Art. This museum, one of the largest in Ukraine dedicated to modern art, has a remarkable collection of over 800 works by Ukrainian artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The guests were interested in the evolution of Ukrainian contemporary art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to installations and video art. The museum’s wide-open spaces and impressive exhibitions left a lasting impression on the participants.
Afterward, our Lithuanian partners had some free time to relax and reflect on all they had experienced before returning home. The tour was an enriching experience for all, showcasing the beauty and historical significance of Lutsk.
We are grateful to our Lithuanian partners for joining us on this journey and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
