Stasys Museum Opens in Panevėžys, Showcasing 1,200 Artworks by Eidrigevičius

The Stasys Museum, dedicated to the life and work of celebrated Lithuanian artist Stasys Eidrigevičius, has officially opened its doors in Panevėžys, Lithuania. This new cultural institution, housed in a former movie theatre, features an extensive collection of Eidrigevičius' works, making it a significant addition to the city's cultural scene.

The museum spans four floors and includes a modern art storage facility housing approximately 1,200 artworks donated by Eidrigevičius. The ground floor features an information center, café, shop, and ticket office, while the second floor offers a transformable space for events, conferences, and educational activities. The third floor is dedicated to a permanent exhibition of Eidrigevičius' works, and the fourth floor will host temporary exhibitions.

Why this matters: The opening of the Stasys Museum in Panevėžys, Lithuania, marks a significant cultural milestone, promoting the country's rich artistic heritage and contributing to its cultural development. This museum's establishment is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism, while also raising the city's profile as a cultural hub.

The inaugural exhibition, ICON-O-STASYS, occupies over 1,000 square meters of space and showcases Eidrigevičius' creative evolution through various techniques. The exhibition is divided into four floors, with the first floor introducing visitors to Eidrigevičius' biography, the second floor showcasing his creative process, the third floor featuring a permanent exhibition of his works, and the fourth floor hosting temporary exhibitions.

Stasys Eidrigevičius, born in the Panevėžys District, is a painter, graphic artist, writer, book illustrator, and performance artist. Throughout his career, he has held over 100 international exhibitions and won more than 40 international awards. His works are part of prominent collections around the world, including the British Museum in London, the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris, and the Vatican Museum.

The museum's director, Vaida Andrijauskaitė, aims to make the Stasys Museum a cultural symbol of Panevėžys and a leader among European art museums. She expressed her vision for the museum to promote Eidrigevičius' art and legacy while encouraging lively discussions about contemporary art. "We want to create a lively discussion about contemporary art and to encourage people to think about the role of art in their lives," Andrijauskaitė stated.

Panevėžys Mayor Rytis Račkauskas highlighted the significance of the museum's opening, describing it as a national and international cultural event. "This is a special day for Panevėžys and Lithuania. The opening of the Stasys Museum is a national and international cultural event," Račkauskas said.

The museum's architecture, designed by IMPLMNT architects, features a minimalist and monumental design. The building has four above-ground floors and one underground floor, with a total area of 240 square meters. The museum plans to expand its exhibition space by 900 square meters in the second phase of its development, expected to be completed by 2028.

The Stasys Museum is set to become a hub for art enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into the life and works of Stasys Eidrigevičius. With its extensive collection and dynamic exhibition space, the museum aims to attract a new audience to Panevėžys and to establish the city as a cultural hub in Lithuania, promoting cultural tourism.

Key Takeaways

• The Stasys Museum has opened in Panevėžys, Lithuania, dedicated to artist Stasys Eidrigevičius.
• The museum features 1,200 artworks, a modern storage facility, and transformable event spaces.
• The inaugural exhibition, ICON-O-STASYS, showcases Eidrigevičius' creative evolution.
• The museum aims to promote cultural tourism and establish Panevėžys as a cultural hub.
• The museum's director envisions a lively discussion about contemporary art and its role in people's lives.