One of the most prominent cultural projects in Lithuania in recent years – the “Stasys Museum” – is celebrating its first anniversary on May 31. In just one year, the modern museum meeting international standards and established in Panevėžys has become a significant space for contemporary art and creative experiences. Its growth is reflected not only in the number of visitors but also in the recognition and achievements it has garnered.
The museum has welcomed over 82,000 visitors from Lithuania and abroad, generated more than half a million euros in revenue, and part of its team consists of cultural professionals who have returned from emigration. These results highlight the importance of the Stasys Museum for Panevėžys, the national cultural landscape, and a society that values high-quality, inspiring creativity.
“Culture brings a city to life,” says Loreta Masiliūnienė, Mayor of Panevėžys. “Projects like Stasys Museum open the door not only to creativity but also to confidence – in oneself, in one’s community, and in one’s city. It is a space of bold ideas that give meaning to contemporary Panevėžys and is firmly placing it on Lithuania’s cultural map,” says Loreta Masiliūnienė, Mayor of Panevėžys.
According to Vaida Andrijauskaitė, the museum’s director, Stasys Museum has become a vibrant hub where world-class art, original ideas, and meaningful human connections converge.
“It’s truly rewarding to see images of Panevėžys’ skyline shared widely online, drawing hundreds of thousands of views. Even more heartening is witnessing newlyweds, schoolchildren, and families taking photos by the museum. This shows that Stasys Museum has become an integral part of everyday life in the city – a meaningful space for all who are passionate about art, inspiration, and creative experiences.”
Vaida Andrijauskaitė. Photo by P. Židonis.
National Recognition and International Acclaim
In its inaugural year, Stasys Museum earned widespread recognition: LRT named it the Cultural Event of the Year, the architecture community awarded it the prestigious Metra Prize for outstanding architecture, and Panevėžys City Municipality received the Golden Krivūlė award for putting the city on the artistic map of Lithuania. The museum has also been nominated for several major international awards, including the Nacional Architecture Awards (NAA), Baltic Real Estate Awards, ArchDaily and the European Museum Award.
Art That Sparks Dialogue
Stasys Museum’s exhibitions continue to foster deep engagement with contemporary art. From its inaugural show – ICON-O-STASYS, dedicated to the legendary artist Stasys Eidrigevičius – visitors have had the opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines: graphics, painting, sculpture, audiovisual work and so much more.
Stasys Eidrigevičius. Photo by P. Židonis.
Among the highlights of the past year were the solo exhibition Gesamtkunstwerk by renowned Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch and the group exhibition And the Wind Will Take Us Away…, featuring over 20 artists from the Baltic States, Ukraine, and Norway – four of whom have previously exhibited at the Venice Biennale.
Hermann Nitsch „Gesamtkunstwerk“ Stasys Museum. Photo by D. Jakniūnas.
New Spaces, New Ideas
To mark its first anniversary, Stasys Museum is unveiling a new addition – the Children’s Forest Pavilion, an educational space originally presented at the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale as part of the Lithuanian Pavilion. Now integrated into the museum’s permanent offerings, the pavilion will be accessible to the public free of charge until next spring.
Photo by Rasa Juškevičiūtė.
“We wanted to make the museum even more inclusive for families, children, and young audiences,” explains Director V. Andrijauskaitė. “This space invites them to experience the museum in a new way – through play, exploration, and immersion in nature” explains director V. Andrijauskaitė.
Looking Ahead
In September, the museum will present a special collaborative project celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, one of Lithuania’s most revered cultural figures. The exhibition will feature a unique artistic dialogue between Čiurlionis and Stasys Eidrigevičius, curated by Kristina Liepinate, who has worked with collections of both artists.
Later this year, another exciting innovation will debut – a non-commercial cinema with seating for approximately 100 viewers. Located within the iconic cube structure on Stasys Museum Square, the venue will feature a lounge area on the upper level and a sculpture by Stasys Eidrigevičius titled Breathing.
In just one year, Stasys Museum has established itself as a leading force in Lithuania’s contemporary cultural scene. It has not only enriched the cultural fabric of Panevėžys but has also become a vital platform for artistic exchange, drawing attention from professionals and visitors alike – both locally and internationally.
This vibrant space demonstrates how vision, talent, and community trust can shape a modern city – one where culture, connection, and meaning thrive. A city like Panevėžys. Like us.
On Saturday, May 31, to celebrate its first anniversary, the museum will be open free of charge. Please take a look at the festive program:
