The Vilnius Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art Treasures is located in the premises of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the former Bernardine Monastery in Vilnius.
The museum was founded by a decree of the Archbishop of Vilnius in 2005, and the exposition was opened to visitors in 2009.It was based on the treasury of the Vilnius Cathedral. The treasures hidden on the eve of the Second World War were accidentally discovered in 1985 during the renovation of the building. The liturgical items were registered and handed over to the Lithuanian Art Museum. In the course of the restitution process, on 15 February 2005, the Law on the Restoration of the Property Rights of the Catholic Church over Movable Cultural Property was adopted and the return of the nationalised property to the Archdiocese of Vilnius began. The establishment of the Church Heritage Museum was initiated for their protection and presentation.
The core of the exhibition, the treasury of the Vilnius Cathedral, is enriched by works of church art from the sanctuaries and monasteries of the Vilnius Archbishopric. Items testifying to the tradition of worship are presented, such as monstrances, reliquaries, and other artistic liturgical utensils. A rich collection of ecclesiastical textiles.
The Museum's initiative is to research, preserve and promote the material church heritage. Publications presenting sacred art values are prepared. Thematic exhibitions, excursions and educational activities are organised. The aim is to make the public aware of the rich history of the activities of the Catholic community in Vilnius region through the preserved works of art.
The Museum's units are the crypts of the Vilnius Cathedral and the bell tower.