Have you ever wondered what kind of world M. K. Čiurlionis saw? Which places inspired his mystical paintings and unique music? Where did he spend his childhood? Where did he meet his wife and enjoy the most creative years of his life?

The Čiurlionis Route is not only five routes through the most important places of the artist’s life but also a journey into a creative world where nature becomes a symphony and landscapes turn into fairy tales. It is an invitation to travel, discover, and explore Lithuania through the legacy of one of the country’s most brilliant artists.

❯ Following the Senosios Varėna and Druskininkai (including Varėna, Liškiava, Kabeliai) route, travelers will discover the magical beauty of Dzūkija, exploring the surroundings where young Mikalojus – the future most celebrated Lithuanian creator – first began to see the world. This route includes the church whose predecessor housed the organ played by the artist’s father Konstantinas, Liškiava – the place marking the beginning of his parents’ love story, the childhood home of little “Kastukas” in Druskininkai, the “Angel” sculpture inspired by a motif from the artist’s painting, as well as recommended guided tours and other information to help you experience Čiurlionis’ Dzūkija.

❯ Choosing the Plungė (including Rietavas, Kuliai, Šateikiai) route, travelers will visit the music school where Čiurlionis once came to study, stop by his wife’s native Šateikiai – where their wedding took place in the local church – and even taste the dessert dedicated to Čiurlionis, Pilies pasaka (“Castle Fairy Tale”). The route description includes fascinating historical facts about the Plungė Manor as a cultural center, along with recommendations for excursions in Plungė, Kuliai, and Rietavas, plus other noteworthy sites.

❯ The Palanga route takes travelers not only along the footsteps of Čiurlionis, his wife Sofija, and their circle, but also into an exploration of the many forms of love that flourished in this seaside resort and in the couple’s lives. Highlights include the Palanga Pier, Count Tiškevičius’ Palace, the sculpture of Jūratė and Kastytis and its connection to the Čiurlionis family, engaging stories about Palanga’s nature and the artist’s work, as well as tips on where to find high-quality Čiurlionis-themed tours in the city.

❯ The Kaunas route invites visitors not only to the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum – home to the largest collection of his works – but also to Aleksotas Observation Deck, where during the Second Lithuanian Art Exhibition, Čiurlionis and Sofija admired the city panorama, and to the place where his works were kept during the interwar and wartime periods. Recommendations include theatrical and thematic tours, as well as other curiosities.

❯ Following the Vilnius route, travelers will learn more about Čiurlionis’ life and creative work in the capital, his public and cultural activities, his connections with other prominent art and cultural figures of the era, and leaders of the Lithuanian National Revival. Stops include his home, the P. Vileišis Palace – which hosted the First Lithuanian Art Exhibition – the National Gallery of Art displaying original works by Čiurlionis, his sculpture in the courtyard of the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art, the airport bearing his name, and other places and activities linked to the artist in Vilnius.

The most convenient way to explore The Čiurlionis Route is with Lithuanian Railways. Along the way, you’ll encounter Čiurlionis’ works unexpectedly on LP EXPRESS parcel lockers, and add even more excitement with the interactive game Mission Čiurlionis from the Plungė Tourism Information Center, encouraging you to visit as many Čiurlionis-related sites as possible.

So set off and discover Čiurlionis’ Lithuania!

The Čiurlionis Route

senoji varėna ❯ druskininkai

plungė ❯ šateikiai

palanga

vilnius

kaunas