EN
A reflection upon a popularisation of science in Vilnius before the World War II is indissolubly connected with the history of the Stefan Batory University. All civic and educational activities of Vilnius were managed by the university authorities. The city council and the citizens profited from the high school presence: they had the use of rich library, museum collections and spacious auditoriums. But the most important advantage of being a host to the research centre was the contact with the academic scholars. The university assembly animated and inspired the everyday city-life. Members of the Vilnius community, due to the professors' efforts, had an extraordinary opportunity to improve professional qualifications or to broaden their horizons. Such chances were available to people from all social classes and having various intellectual background.