PLAN YOUR VISIT
Opening hours: II, III, V, VI, VII 10.00–18.00; IV 11.00–19.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: V. Putvinskio str. 55, Kaunas
E-mail: mkc.info@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 37 22 14 18; +370 37 22 94 75
Established in 1921, the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art has turned into one of the oldest and largest art museums in Lithuania. It is the only place in the world with the creative legacy of the most famous Lithuanian artist, composer and public figure M. K. Čiurlionis (1875-1911). The paintings and graphics of this brilliant Lithuanian artist are exhibited in the modern renovated premises since 2003. In the Music Hall of the museum you can listen to his music.
Museum has open funds of Lithuanian Folk Art. More than 3000 folk sculptures: from the smallest Pensive Christ of 3 cm, a well-loved St. John of Nepomuk; during the press ban years – a beloved sculptural composition of St. Anne who taught to read the Virgin Mary, etc. and the images of Saints.
At the exposition Lithuanian art. 14th – 19th centuries are represented examples of the development of visual and decorative arts in Lithuania over 600 years. Room I presents earliest examples, unique and valuable discoveries. Room II – the oldest and most valuable Gothic Madonnas. Room III – elements of interiors and apparel; works of art, tapestry, rich gallery of sculptural, painted and carved portraits.
The museum also hosts various cultural events: concerts for children and professional performers, book presentations, lectures, seminars, scientific conferences, guided tours, and educational programs specifically made for children and youth. In the museum shop, the visitors can buy reproductions of M. K. Čiurlionis art works, postcards, original souvenirs, various accessories, books.
THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED FOR RECONSTRUCTION.
Address: Nepriklausomybės sq. 12, Kaunas
E-mail: zilinsko.kolekcija@ciurlionis.lt Tel.: +370 675 13488
Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery is the biggest branch of M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, built in 1989 (architects Eugenijus Miliūnas, Saulius Juškys, Kęstutis Kisielius). The Foreign Art collections are exhibited here since the foundation of the M. K. Čiurlionis Art Gallery. Most of the examples of old art came to the museum from Lithuanian manors collections. The 20th century artwork were mostly purchased or donated by the authors after the foreign art exhibitions, held at the museum. The museum's old collections of foreign art are comprehensively complemented by the works, donated by the famous Lithuanian collector and art patron Mykolas Žilinskas (1904–1992). At the museum, visitors can see the Ancient World Art Exhibition with a collection of Ancient Egyptian cultural monuments, antique pottery, as well as the Roman glassware and coins; European fine arts, from 16th to 20th century, including works by Jose de Ribera, Peter Paul Rubens, Esaias van de Veldes, Bertel Thorvaldsen, Auguste Rodin; the 17th–20th century Exhibition of Applied Arts, most of which is dedicated to faience and porcelain from China, Japan, and various European countries. In the basement of the gallery, the Museum for the Blind is located. With the help of tactile sensation, it provides a unique opportunity for blind visitors to discover the original works of modern and contemporary art. The museum also hosts various cultural events: concerts, book presentations, lectures, seminars, scientific conferences, film festivals, guided tours, and educational programmes, specially designed for children and youth.
Opening hours: II, III, V 10.00–17.00; IV 10.00–19.00; VI, VII 12.00–17.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: K. Donelaičio str. 16, Kaunas
E-mail: mkcpaveikslugalerija@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 675 13161
Photo by Norbert Tukaj
The gallery was opened in 1979 (architects Liucija Gedgaudienė, Jonas Navakas). Its original purpose was to serve as a gallery for M. Žilinskas Collection, which had been donated to Kaunas. However, soon it became obvious that the entire collection could not fit into this building, therefore the plans for a new building were undertaken. Today, Lithuanian and international exhibitions, Modern Lithuanian art and Lithuanian Exile art is displayed in this gallery, as well as the community platform “Backup stories”. Kaunas picture gallery invites the visitors to George Maciunas (Jurgis Mačiūnas) Fluxus room. It features works by J. Mačiūnas, Jonas Mekas, Joseph Beuys, Miek (Chiek) Shiomi, Ben Vautier, George Brecht and other members of the Fluxus movement - non-traditional books, examples of postal art, prints, objects, and even more. There are works of Lithuanian authors (Jolanta Janavičienė, Jurgis Janavičius, Redas Diržys, Naglis R. Baltušnikas, group “Post-Ars”, Kęstutis Grigaliūnas), dedicated to this movement. The visitors can also get acquainted with Ay-O installation “Black Hole” and Takako Saito installation “Mano mano Theatre”. The gallery hosts educational programs for people of different ages – from children to senior citizens.
Opening hours: II, III, V 10.00–17.00; IV 10.00–19.00; VI, VII 11.00–16.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: Vilniaus str. 33, Kaunas
E-mail: info@istorineprezidentura.lt
Tel.: +370 37 20 17 78
www.istorineprezidentura.lt/en/
The Historical Presidential Palace is a must-see place for everyone, whether native-born or a visitor to Kaunas. It is one of the most important memorials of the Republic of Lithuania in 1918–1940. Visitors are offered an introduction into the evolution of modern Lithuanian statehood, the opportunity to feel the pulse of a growing city that suddenly faced the challenge of becoming a capital and rapidly changed from a fortress into a modern city.
The building was at the centre of major political events of the time. It housed the President’s meetings with the Cabinet, as well as numerous meetings with the representatives of foreign countries, military, clergy and various organizations. It was a fundamental landmark of Foreign Policy; emissaries of foreign states here offered their credentials to the President of the Lithuanian Republic. The building also witnessed the Coup d’État of 1926, a crisis of parlamentarism and a turn towards authoritarian regime. In the face of imminent Soviet occupation, the Last Meeting of the government of the independent Lithuania took place here on the night from June 14 to 15 of 1940.
Today the Historical Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania in Kaunas functions as a memorial-educational institution of Lithuanian modern statehood. The permanent exposition at the Palace reflects the history of the First Republic of Lithuania (1918 – 1940). Periodic temporary exhibitions commemorate outstanding historical figures and events. Many other social and cultural gatherings – such as scholarly conferences, concerts, book presentations, public lectures and meetings with outstanding public persons – are aimed at stimulating discussions about modern statehood and civic society.
Opening hours: II, III, V 11.00–17.00; IV 11.00–19.00; VI, VII 10.00–17.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: V. Putvinskio str. 64, Kaunas
E-mail: mkc.velniai@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 675 13372
Antanas Žmuidzinavičius Memorial Museum was opened on February 22, 1966, in his home which was designed by the famous architect Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis. The exhibition in the memorial house introduces the artist and his family, the works of the artist, his friends, pupils and colleagues. The memorial flat and studio maintain the atmosphere of the 1930’s with authentic furniture and various interior components. The most famous collection of A. Žmuidzinavičius is his devils collection. A great and constantly growing collection of devils was moved from the artist’s studio to a separate extension in 1982. This unique museum now holds over 3,000 devils – pieces of fine and applied art, souvenirs and masks.
Opening hours: II–VI 11.00–17.00; IV 11.00–19.00
Visiting only by registration. Please call via tel. +370 37 22 99 67
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: E. Fryko str. 14, Kaunas
E-mail: truikionamai@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 37 22 99 67
The Memorial Museum was opened in 1994, in the studio–flat where the artist and scenographer Liudas Truikys, and his beloved opera singer Marijona Rakauskaitė lived. This house was built in the interwar period, where the couple of artists settled later during the war, looking for a more peaceful and remote place. Until this day, everything remained the same in this house: two big salons, an artist’s study room, a bedroom, authentically restored according to pictures and stories. The creative legacy of L. Truikys: paintings, scenography and costumes, church art sketches and Orienal Art (sculptures, Persian carpets, Chinese Vases, incense burners), as well as collections of Lithuanian folk sculptures. In Marijona Rakauskaitė room, you can find her accessories, cosmetics, stage and casual wear. In the part, which is dedicated to servants, you can find the details of authentic interwar interior. The house is surrounded by greenery, with a beautiful panorama of Kaunas. This home is a place of respect for different cultures and music, which often awaits everyone, who wants to get deeper into the worldview of these artists, to feel the interwar spirit of those, who believe that the “music shouldn’t be listened with these cabbage leaves (Truikys usually touched his ears by saying this), but by this apparatus (he touched his heart by a hand)”.
Opening hours: II–VI 11.00–17.00; IV 11.00–19.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: Vydūno ave. 2, Kaunas
E-mail: galauniunamai@gmail.com
Tel.: +370 37 79 89 95
The house belonged to the opera singer Adelė Nezabitauskaitė-Galaunienė (1895–1962) and a pioneer of professional Lithuanian museology, painter, and art critic Paulius Galaunė (1890–1988) – two important figures in Lithuanian art and cultural life. The house was built in 1932 with their resources and designed by architect A. Funkas (1898–1957). Today in this memorial house you can see the collections of graphic art, ex-libris, bibliophile books, and folk art. The exhibition “Geometry of Things. Art Deco in Kaunas Interiors” is also open. There you can feel the culture and aesthetics of the living environment of the Temporary Capital.
Here you can also visit the room of Kazys Bizauskas – the Signatory of the Independence Act (February 16, 1918), the member of the Constituent Parliament (Seimas), and diplomat.
THE MUSEUM IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RESTORATION.
Address: J. Zikaro str. 3, Kaunas
E-mail: zikaronamai@gmail.com
Tel.: +370 37 22 32 05
The museum was opened on November 18, 2001 to honour the 120th anniversary of the birth of the sculptor J. Zikaras. J. Zikaras built this house and lived in it with his family - his wife Anelė Tubelytė-Zikarienė, and their 4 children – Vaidutis Zikaras, Teisutis Zikaras, Vainutis Zikaras and Alytė Zikaraitė. The four residential rooms of the museum consist of the living room, A. Zikarienė room, the dining room and J. Zikaras work room. Furniture from that period is shown in the living room. The works of J. Zikaras and his son T. Zikaras are shown on the walls inside. Photos, reflecting the life of J. Zikaras and his family, are displayed in A. Zikarienė room. The dining room has remained very similar to what it used to be: a round table, a cupboard and chairs. On the walls here you will find works by J. Zikaras as well as the paintings by his close friend Jonas Mackevičius, and the plaster sculpture “Linen” by Teisutis Zikaras. The original furniture - the work desk and the chairs - can be found in the work room. The studio downstairs consists of three rooms. The sculptures and their shapes, made by J. Zikaras, are displayed in the first room, together with examples of coins, made during the interwar period. Sculptures which were displayed in the first Lithuanian exhibitions are found in the second room. A model of the “Liberty” sculpture, some busts and reliefs of the well known Lithuanians are exhibited in third room.
Opening hours: II–VI 11.00–18.00; VII 11.00–16.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: M. K. Čiurlionio str. 35, Druskininkai
E-mail: ciurlioniomemorialinis@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 313 51131
Adelė and Konstantinas Čiurlionis, together with their first-born son Mikalojus Konstantinas, moved to Druskininkai, because K. Čiurlionis was invited to work as an organist in the town’s little church. Through the efforts of M. K. Čiurlionis sisters, Valerija Karužienė and Jadvyga Čiurlionytė, the idea of preserving this homestead was realized, and the M. K. Čiurlionis Memorial Museum was opened on June 16, 1963. The memorial part of the museum consists of two wooden houses with interiors similar to the authentic one. The family harmonium, Mikalojus Konstantinas piano and other authentic exhibits are displayed in one of the buildings. The exhibition in another building introduces M. K. Čiurlionis (1875–1911) works and his family history.
Opening hours: II–VI 11.00–18.00; VII 11.00–16.00
Visitors are allowed at least 30 min before closing time.
Address: Turistų str. 9, Druskininkai
E-mail: ciurlioniomemorialinis@ciurlionis.lt
Tel.: +370 313 55 553
The gallery was built in 1989 (architect Algimantas Kančas). On November 4, 1993 it opened the doors for the visitors. The gallery comprises over one hundred of works, created from 1931 to 1982 by an exceptionally talented graphic artist, painter, sculptor, stained glass craftsman Vytautas Kazimieras Jonynas (1907–1997). All the art work, kept in the gallery, was donated to Lithuania by the artist. The creative legacy comprises of the wood carvings, illustrations and ex-libris, created in Kaunas and Panevėžys; a Freiburg-era woodcuts and post stamps, Mainz lithographs, stained glasses, decorative sculptures, mosaic projects of US public buildings, churches, squares and piazzas, as well as drawings, watercolors, pastels and more.
Jonynas was born in Alytus district on March 16, 1907. He studied at Kudirkos Naumiestas and Kaunas’ gymnasiums. From 1923 to 1929 he studied at the Lithuanian Art School in Kaunas. In 1931 he went to Paris to continue his studies, specializing in woodcarving and book art as well as the construction of wooden sculptures and furniture. After his personal exhibition in Paris, he came back to Kaunas in 1935. Here he took part in the activities of the young artists’ group “Ars”, gave lectures at the Kaunas Art School, and later became the director of the Kaunas Applied and Decorative Art Institute. In 1944 the artist moved to Germany. In 1946, with the help of his friend R. Schmitlein, Jonynas founded the Freiburg Art School. In 1951 he moved to the United States, where he gave lectures and founded a stained glass studio. The artist used to spend his summers in the gallery, talking to his visitors about the creative work. Jonynas died in 1997.
Open: Mon–Fri from 11 am to 4:30 pm
The main goal of M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art Library is to preserve and spread the written heritage, created throughout centuries of both Lithuanian and foreign countries. The library was founded in 1921. Currently, it keeps over 46 thousand documents of art history and theory, aesthetics, folk art, visual and applied-decorative art, architecture, monument protection and restoration, design, art photography, Lithuanian philology, etc.
In the formation of the library fund, a lot of attention was paid to the accumulation of art encyclopedias, reference books and bibliographic publications. The information fund consists of the exhibition, auctions catalogues, art magazines, continuing publications of Lithuania and other countries. A collection of world museum albums and guides to cultural monuments and places is quite rich. The library comprises the collection of completed Lithuanian art publications, and extremely rare foreign publications (published in XV-XVIII centuries).
The Library is Unique for several reasons:
- It keeps the legacy – personal libraries of interwar prominent personalities and artists: Aleksandras M. Račkus, Petras Rimša, Magdalena Avietėnaitė, Paulius Galaunė, Jonas Šileika, Andrius Riomeris, and many others.
- It keeps the legacy - personal libraries of the contemporary artists: Petras Stauskas, Jadvyga ir Vytautas Klemkai, Vaclovas Miknevičius and many others.
- It keeps the library of 17th century Book Amateur Society
- It keeps a collection of art books from the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent (Museum voor Schöne Kunsten).
- It keeps catalogues of M. K. Čiurlionis exhibitions abroad.
- It keeps a donated collection of collector from St. Petersburg – Jurijus Šeniavskis – with all works about M. K. Čiurlionis creative legacy (100 books).
These publications can be found via LIBIS system https://www.libis.lt/ and in the catalogue of the library.
LIBRARY CONTACT INFORMATION:
Head of the library: Violeta Karmalavičienė violeta.karmalaviciene@ciurlionis.lt
Librarians: Silvija Burokaitė silvija.burokaite@ciurlionis.lt; Irena Majauskienė irena.majauskiene@ciurlionis.lt
Address: M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art (V. Putvinskio str. 55, Kaunas). Tel.: +370 605 65862; +370 37 201327
Ticket price - 5 eur*
*One ticket is valid at M. K. Čiurlionis House-Museum and V. K. Jonynas Gallery in Druskininkai.
We are closed on 1st of January, on Easter Holidays, on 1st of May, on Mother's Day (the first Sunday of May), on Father’s Day (the first Sunday of June), on 24th of June, on 15th of August, on 1st of November, on 24–26 of December.
FAMILY TICKET PRICE
10 EUR – Family ticket (2 adults + 2 school children).
8 EUR – Family ticket (1 adult + 2 school children).
1 TICKET PRICE FOR SEVERAL MUSEUM
8.00 EUR – ticket for two museums; 4.00 EUR – with a discount. The ticket is valid for one month.
50% DISCOUNT APPLIES TO:
students, school children, visitors with an international student identity card (ISIC); pensioners;
for individuals with 30 to 55 percent level of working capacity.
Children under seven;
persons with determined 25% and lower level of working capacity, or a level of special needs and accompanying persons (one person per person);
members of the International Committee of Museums (ICOM);
Journalists, members of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA);
Last Sunday of the month.
Historical Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania (Vilniaus St. 33) is applied for disabled.
The audio guide at M. K. Čiurlionis Art Gallery (V. Putvinskio St. 55) in Lithuanian, English, French, Polish and Russian languages – 4,00 EUR
Guided tour (English, Russian) – 15,00 EUR; Guided tour booking by phone 370 684 843 88
MAIN PARTNERS:
Lithuanian Artists' Association
INFORMATION PARTNERS:
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:
Kaunas University of Technology
FOREIGN PARTNERS:
RULES OF SERVICE FOR THE VISITORS OF M. K. ČIURLIONIS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART
M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, State Budget Institution. Adress: V. Putvinskis str. 55, Kaunas, Lithuania. Tel.: +370 37 229475, E-mail: mkc.info@ciurlionis.lt, Legal Entity Code: 190755932, Bank Account for Support LT347300010002236264 Swedbank, SWIFT code: HABALT22
Daina Kamarauskienė – museum director daina.kamarauskienė@ciurlionis.lt
Nijolė Adomavičienė – deputy director-chief curator, nijole.adomaviciene@ciurlionis.lt
Eglė Komkaitė-Baltušnikienė – deputy director for exhibitions and expositions, egle.komkaite@ciurlionis.lt
Vaiva Laukaitienė – head of M. K. Čiurlionis department, mk@ciurlionis.lt
Irmantė Šarakauskienė – head of M. Žilinskas collection department, irmante.sarakauskiene@ciurlionis.lt
Kristina Civinskienė – head of Museum exhibitions organization department, kristina.civinskiene@ciurlionis.lt
Jurgita Rimkutė-Vainiuvienė – head of A. Žmuidzinavičius Memorial Museum, mkc.velniai@ciurlionis.lt
Renata Mikalajūnaitė – head of Historical Presidential Palace of the Republic of Lithuania museum, renata@istorineprezidentura.lt