Quo Vadis, Heritage Protection? Trajectories of Theoretical Thought in Lithuania (Part I)

Abstract

In Lithuania, contemporary heritage studies constitute a broad interdisciplinary field that encompasses both movable and immovable cultural heritage and involves related disciplines such as ethnology, architecture, and art history. Since regaining independence, Lithuanian heritage studies have largely freed themselves from Soviet ideological and bureaucratic constraints, developing diverse theoretical and methodological approaches comparable to those in Western and Central-Eastern Europe.
Despite scholarly progress and international collaboration, significant communication gaps persist between experts and broader society, threatening public heritage awareness and preventive measures. The article examines the findings of theoretical Lithuanian heritage studies, the main themes and problems addressed, the presence (or absence) of distinct schools or paradigms, and the academic value of these works in relation to international discourse. It also considers the discipline’s self-reflection and future prospects.
The first part of the article argues that before the twentieth century, heritage theory was underdeveloped due to geopolitical and ideological circumstances, with limited institutional support during the interwar and Soviet periods. Soviet policies oscillated between ideological suspicion and pragmatic preservation, leading to tensions reflected in such landmark cases as the 1960 controversy of Trakai Castle. Guided by international frameworks, such as those proposed by Salvador Muñoz-Viñas, the article emphasises the enduring influence of institutional traditions and disciplinary paradigms.