Grand Duke Gediminas, who ruled the country from 1316 until 1341, is often remembered as the father of Vilnius. He is honored in the city with the Gediminas Monument, a bronze figure of the rule, which was unveiled in September or 1996, at the Vilnius Cathedral Square.
His name also lives on in the Gediminas Castle on nearby on Gediminas Hill. First build by the Grand Duke himself as a wooden fortification; Duke Vytautas Magnum reinforced the castle as a stone and brick structure. Damaged during a siege by the Russians in the 17th century the castle was nearly in ruins by the 20th century. Restoration efforts began in 1930.
Today the castle houses can be visited, and it is home to the Museum of History in Vilnius. Founded in 1960 it is situated on the best preserved of the towers from the old castle. From the tower visitors can also take in a spectacular view of the surrounding city.
To take in the old city you need to pass through on the most impressive landmarks in the city: the Gate of Dawn, or Ausros Vartu. First called the Medininkai Gate, the three-story renaissance building is the entrance to the old town, and when you pass through you almost feel like you’re traveling to another age.
LIST of Museums and more information: www.vilnius-tourism.lt and www.muziejai.lt 
NEWS from Vilnius Museums:
Reconstructed but not completed Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Cathedral Square) open its gates to the public on 7 July 2009, 11 a.m. (till 26 July). More information www.valdovurumai.lt .
Renovated National Art Gallery presents world famous modernists works (Konstitucijos Ave. 22) - www.ndg.lt .
