Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

The reconstructed Palace of the Grand Dukes became a symbol of national pride and a powerful reminder of Lithuania's strong traditions as a state. In 1987, when systematic archeological excavations began on the grounds of the palace (a park at the time), the idea to reconstruct the palace was born. In 2001, the Lithuanian Parliament and the Government passed a law authorizing reconstruction and confirming that the Palace would become the National Museum with an educational center meant to promote a greater understanding of the country's history. It would be a place for concerts, conferences and temporary exhibitions, for state ceremonial events and the dissemination of tourist information about Lithuania and its historic sites.

In 2000, The Foundation for the support of the Grand Dukes Palace, was created. Among the Foundation's founders and the most generous donors was Dr. J. P. Kazickas. Dr. Kazickas wanted to promote the idea of the reconstruction of the Palace and to attract as many investors as possible. The KFF established prizes for journalists promoting the idea, as well as for those who worked hardest so the Palace became a reality. 

From 2000 until 2008, the Kazickas Family Foundation donated almost $ 1 mln for the cause.

Photos: BTL archives