Peace. Pastel on paper. 1903 m
It is not only the art world that needs to honour the significant contributions of artists. Cultural identity touches each one of us, weaving links between our ancestors and preserving the memory for future generations. Preserving the legacy of our greatest artists is essential for cultural identity to flourish.
M. K. Čiurlionis, leaving a distinctive mark on Lithuania and the world, paved the way for future artists. It is gratifying that Lithuania seeks to preserve the memory of the most famous Lithuanian painter and composer through artistic heritage, and that the monuments found abroad only prove that the artist’s distinctive imprint has left a deep mark on the cultural context not only in Lithuania, but also in foreign countries.
Memorials also safeguard national heritage and allow both locals and tourists to see and experience history. The latter are also often works of art, giving not only cultural meaning but also a sense of art to the environment, so let’s find out which are the most prominent places dedicated to M.K. Čiurlionis and take a virtual tour.
M. K. Čiurlionis House – Museum in Druskininkai
Founded in 1963, the museum is the former refuge, creative and resting place of M. K. Čiurlionis. Here the artist shared the most beautiful memories of his life with his family, celebrated major holidays and spent summers.
The museum is fascinating for its memory – every visitor sees a slip of paper pinned on the wall that tells which brother or sister of the composer played the piano at what hour. One remembers that in the evenings, when Čiurlionis was improvising, family members, friends and neighbours would gather in the courtyard, by the open windows, and have a drink.
The tradition was revived in 1965, and now every year the sound of the piano is heard through the Museum’s windows in the evening, blending with the wind and the sound of birds.
The four buildings of the house-museum and their interiors have been restored according to the memories of M. K. Čiurlionis’ sisters, and the environment has been arranged according to the same principles. The houses are full of exhibits that belonged to the artist’s family.
An auxiliary building, which houses the cash desk, was added in 1975. Visitors are welcome to listen to concerts, take part in poetry readings, learn about the biography of M. K. Čiurlionis and attend meetings. In this building, visitors can buy exhibits, reproductions of paintings, books, music recordings and art albums.
The M. K. Čiurlionis House-Museum was opened in 1993 and houses a gallery where you can see reproductions of the artist’s paintings and take part in educational activities for both children and adults.
Monument commemorating the birthplace of M. K. Čiurlionis
The exact place of birth of the genius born in the old Varėno was unknown to historians for a long time, but thanks to the analysis of historical and iconographic documents by historian Laima Vileikienė, in 2017 it was finally determined according to a map from St Petersburg from the second half of the 19th century. It showed the church and the outlines of five houses. One of the houses belonged to the Čiurlionis.
In 2020, a competition was launched in Varėno to commemorate the birthplace of Mikolaj Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The competition was won by sculptor Gediminas Piekuras and architect Prof. Gintaras Čaikauskas, whose work can be seen in the churchyard of the Old Varenna Church.
Monument commemorating the birthplace of M. K. Čiurlionis
M. K. Čiurlionis House in Vilnius
The Historical Memorial Cultural Centre in memory of M. K. Čiurlionis was opened in 1995 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of his birth. The artist worked and lived in this house from 1907 to 1908.
A room in the historic building recreates the interior of the time, with photographs and examples of the work on display. Other rooms in the house are used for reproductions of paintings, exhibitions, concerts and education.
This museum is the place where you can get to know the life, work and atmosphere of Čiurlionis.
M. K. Čiurlionis House in Vilnius
Monument to M. K. Čiurlionis in Plunge
The monument to the artist in Plungė not only pays tribute to the artist, but also marks a very important connection. The monument is a symbol of the ties between Čiurlionis and Mykolas Oginskis. M. Oginskis was the main supporter of the artist’s studies abroad, and the monument stands close to Oginskis’ palace.
Dalia Matulaitė, the author of the sculpture, shares that the weight of the monument is almost 12 tonnes, and the crown on the heads of the kings adds a few more. The monument is based on one of Čiurlionis’ most famous paintings, The Tale of the Kings.
K. Narkutė – Beniušienė photo.
National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum
One of the largest and oldest museums in Lithuania, established in 1921. Located in the heart of Kaunas, the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum boasts original paintings by the genius. It is the only place in the world that holds almost all the works of the painter, composer and public figure.
In addition to the paintings, there is also a music hall, where you can listen to M. K. Čiurlionis’s musical works, as well as see a virtual reality film by Kristina Buožytė and Vitalius Žukas “Along the Paths of Angels”based on the work of the great Lithuanian artist. The artist’s paintings and fragments, as well as his musical works, shine in their original format in a virtual environment.
The museum also organises cultural events such as concerts in the music hall, seminars, scientific conferences, lectures, book presentations and guided tours, and educational activities.
National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum
