2012-10-10
October 2nd this year was a special day for Lithuania’s monetary system: 90 years ago – on 2 October 1922 – national currency, the litas was issued for the first time. At that same time the first central bank in Independent Lithuania started operating. 20 years ago – on 1 October 1992 – the national monetary system of Lithuania which regained its independence was developed, provisional talonas note became the national monetary unit, and roubles were withdrawn from circulation.
The Bank of Lithuania invited to celebrate together this triple anniversary, which marked the birth and rebirth of the national monetary system, at the event “Days Open Day – At the Bank of Lithuania”, which took place on 6 October.
On that day, the Bank of Lithuania welcomed visitors at its unique palace buildings in Kaunas and Vilnius. Visitors were introduced to the activities of the Bank of Lithuania. One could see unique exhibits like armoured vehicles carrying money, a pyramid of 3 000 000 litas, the hall of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania where the most important financial market decisions are taken. Here, the guests had a surprise: a cake for the celebration participants. Visitors also had a possibility to see the room of the Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.
Open Doors Moments
The significant anniversaries were also marked by other jubilee highlights of the Bank’s Doors Open programme – exhibition “The Way of the Litas 1922-2012” and the lecture “From the Soviet Rouble to the Litas” by Dr Meilė Jasienė. Films from the series “From the history of the Litas. Banknotes.” and “From the history of the Litas. Coins.” were shown. Visitors who took part in funny quizzes and gave the right answers to the questions were not left without festive prizes.
During the Doors Open event, Bank of Lithuanian employees told how litas banknotes and coins find their way to life, foreign exchange and gold reserves, necessary for ensuring stability of the litas, are accumulated, and how the Bank of Lithuania’s payment systems are managed. Visitors also learnt how financial markets supervision is conducted, disputes among consumers and financial market participants are settled, and economic and financial risks are assessed.
In addition, the playful and modern Money Museum which not only children are particularly fond of but which is acknowledged by adults as well waited for visitors.
A total of some 3, 000 visitors came to the Doors Open event.
For more moments about the Days Open event see here
The first Days Open event was organised by the Bank of Lithuania on 2 October last year.