Celebrating the legacy of artist and composer M. K. Čiurlionis

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The praised M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art in Kaunas will host an international exhibition in his honour, exploring the artist’s fascination with the sea and the cosmos, and an extensive programme of events worldwide awaits.

M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art in Kaunas is one of the largest and oldest art museums in Lithuania. Founded in 1921 as a small temporary gallery, the objective was to collect and save the creative works by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911).

Over the years, the museum has grown into a huge complex showcasing Lithuanian and international art history and culture. “The mission of the museum is to encourage the understanding of the cultural and artistic processes of Čiurlionis, as well as other Lithuanian and worldwide artists and cultural heritage,” says Greta Katkevičienė, curator.

Born in 1875 in the small town of Varėna, Čiurlionis is one of Lithuania’s most celebrated symbolist painters, composers and cultural profiles. During his short life, Čiurlionis created 400 musical pieces and 300 works of art, pioneering new forms like pictorial sonatas that fused painting and music. The museum is the only place in the world dedicated to his legacy, with innovative paintings and abstract art as well as opportunities to listen to his music. The permanent exhibition is under constant development, and was latest updated in December.

From amber to the stars

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Čiurlionis’ birth, with a range of events including a new exhibition opening on 21 March. The international display is named From Amber to the Stars. Together with M. K. Čiurlionis: Now and Then. It brings together the most significant works of Čiurlionis alongside his contemporaries and artists of the present day, exploring two interconnected entities that inspired the artist; the sea and the cosmos.

The exhibition brings classical and contemporary pieces that will be shown for the first time in Lithuania, among them works by Anselm Kiefer, Mariele Neudecker, William Blake and others. It will not only be an art exhibition, but with interwoven scientific pieces and knowledge; it will offer a new look on Čiurlionis and the world that surrounded him and surrounds us today.

“This exhibition takes a fresh look at the achievements and interests of Čiurlionis,” says Katkevičienė. “He is a representation of Lithuania; a visionary, always looking forward, but also keeping in mind his connection to the past. With this new display, we celebrate his ability to connect science and artistic expression. During the exhibition, there will be more Čiurlionis paintings shown as well as tours, presentations, films, and other activities.”

A year of festivities

In addition to the anniversary exhibition, other Čiurlionis-related celebrations await at the museum, including a 24-hour folk song marathon in the summer. Another highlight at the museum is Audra, a contemporary art and music festival that takes place from 18-21 September.

An extensive programme of exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, and other events will take place outside the museum. For instance, Druskininkai, the hometown of Čiurlionis, will serve as Lithuania’s Cultural Capital this year. Here, visitors can experience and immerse themselves in the home of Čiurlionis during tours, concerts and exhibitions.

The celebrations stretch beyond Lithuania’s borders too. The works of Čiurlionis will even reach the stars – quite literally. On 22 September, the actual birthday of Čiurlionis, there will be a performance on the International Space Station in addition to the celebrations at the museum. “What makes the year of celebration really special is the scope of it all,” smiles Katkevičienė. “The festivities will present the legacy of Čiurlionis in ways that bridge tradition and innovation.”

The coolest city in Lithuania

M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art also hosts various other events such as concerts, lectures, seminars, and educational programs specifically for children. Visitors can also see two VR films; Trails of Angels and Creation of Worlds, which just premiered in February.

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania, with a beautiful old town centre as well as modernist architecture and street art – often described as the coolest city in the country and frequently used by movie creators. In 2022, Kaunas was named the European Capital of Culture and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum is a hallmark of ArtDeco architecture and one of the buildings that helped the city get the UNESCO listing.

“Similarly to Čiurlionis, Kaunas balances a contemporary point of view yet with authentic values,” adds Katkevičienė. “The city is a crossroad between the Baltic countries, Scandinavia, and Central and Eastern Europe, a dynamic destination well worth a visit.”

Photo: Justė Mocevičiūtė

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From Amber to the Stars. Together with M. K. Čiurlionis: Now and Then is showing 21 March to 12 October at M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art. Curators include Kathleen Soriano, Greta Katkevičienė, and Vaiva Laukaitienė.