The First Exhibition of Lithuanian Art Returns to Its Original Venue!

At the Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore, formerly the P. Vileišis Palace, the Lithuanian public first saw the paintings and graphic compositions of M. K. Čiurlionis. The first exhibition of Lithuanian art was opened at the turn of 1906–1907, although its organizers had begun meeting here for discussions as early as mid-autumn. During one of these gatherings, the artist became acquainted with the core of Lithuanian cultural revivalists, marking the beginning of his public activity in Vilnius.

We invite you to visit Vilnius, at Antakalnio Street 6, in the ground floor hall of the building facing the street, where a gallery of works by M. K. Čiurlionis and his contemporaries will light up the walls, accompanied by commentary from the exhibition’s curators. M. K. Čiurlionis’ debut in Lithuania was remarkable – but was it adequately recognized by the press? You’ll be surprised by the works of A. Žmuidzinavičius, brought from Paris, as well as pieces by other participants, arriving from Munich, Warsaw, Liepāja, Ventspils, and elsewhere. Of the nearly 450 works originally exhibited, about half filled the folk art section.

Projections on three of the hall’s walls are complemented by a display of documents, artifacts, photographs, and publications related to the First Exhibition of Lithuanian Art. You will learn who attended the opening, what J. Basanavičius stated and revised in the manuscript of his public speech, who visited the exhibition, how much tickets cost, where catalogs and posters were printed, and even get a chance to investigate whether a Lithuanian-language note bearing M. K. Čiurlionis' autograph was written by the artist himself.

During the First Lithuanian Art Exhibition, the statutes of the Lithuanian Art Society were formulated. The exhibitions, competitions, the founding of the Čiurlionis section, the art collection, and the nurturing of the idea of a national museum organized by this society laid the foundation for the establishment of our national cultural institutions.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public lectures and guided tours (see the calendar for May 23, June 6, 13, and 20 at 5 PM).

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EVENT INFORMATION

Date and Time: May 20 – July 21, 2025

Venue: Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore

Address: Antakalnio St. 6, Vilnius

Registration for May: HERE

Registration for June: HERE

Registration for July: HERE

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ORGANIZERS

Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore

ciurlioniometai@gmail.com

Exhibition Producer:

UAB Ekspobalta

Supported by:

Lithuanian Council for Culture

Partners:

National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum

Dr. Jaunius Gumbis Lithuanian Art Collection

Lithuanian Archive of Literature and Art

Lithuanian National Museum of Art

National Museum in Warsaw

Programa

Paroda „Čiurlionis ir jo amžininkai Pirmojoje lietuvių dailės parodoje“

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