Historical Presidential Palace, Kaunas

"In 1866, the building was extensively renovated and became the luxurious palace of the Kaunas governor. With Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1918, Kaunas became the temporary capital. The palace transitioned into the official residence of the presidents during this period, from 1919 to 1940. The walls of the palace witnessed pivotal moments in Lithuania's history. It saw joyous events like presidential weddings and celebrations, but also dramatic occurrences like the 1926 military takeover and discussions concerning ultimatums from neighboring countries. Today, the Historical Presidential Palace functions as a branch of the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum. The palace houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the First Republic of Lithuania (1918-1940). This exhibit allows visitors to delve into the nation's history during the interwar period. The architectural style is Neo-Baroque, featuring a symmetrical design and grand interiors that reflect the opulence of the bygone era."