The Centre Pompidou in Paris is currently hosting a groundbreaking exhibition titled Lithuanian Contemporary Art from the 1960s to Today: A Major Donation. This collaboration between the MO Museum in Vilnius and the Centre Pompidou marks the first time Lithuanian art has been displayed at the esteemed Parisian institution. Spanning multiple decades, the exhibition showcases a wide array of modernist and contemporary pieces, featuring everything from paintings and drawings to installations and video art.
The exhibition is notable for its inclusion of artwork from the Soviet era, a time when many Lithuanian artists were unable to freely express themselves due to censorship. These previously unseen works, created between the 1960s and 1990s, have now been donated to the Centre Pompidou by MO Museum founders, Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus. Among the artists featured are Marija Teresė Rožanskaitė, Kazimiera Zimblytė, and Vincas Kisarauskas—figures whose work is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
“For decades, Lithuanian artists were silenced by Soviet occupation, their bold and innovative works hidden behind the Iron Curtain. The international recognition of these remarkable artists is more than an enrichment of European art history—it is a powerful act of cultural reparation. By incorporating these extraordinary works, we are restoring Lithuania’s rightful place in the history of Western European art,” said Milda Ivanauskienė, director of the MO Museum.
The exhibition also highlights contemporary Lithuanian artists such as Eglė Rakauskaitė, Andrius Arutiunian, and Pakui Hardware, whose works engage with themes of identity, collective memory, and global issues. These artists have garnered international acclaim for their fresh perspectives and unique approaches, further solidifying Lithuania’s place on the world stage of modern art.
Lithuania’s journey toward independence in 1990 catalyzed a flourishing of new artistic movements, including conceptual and feminist art, that continue to influence the country’s creative landscape. These contributions have had a lasting impact, as reflected in the diversity of the works presented in this exhibition.
The show, supported by the Lithuanian Season in France 2024, runs from September 14, 2024, to January 6, 2025, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the artistic evolution of a nation long underrepresented in the broader narrative of European art history.
Since its inception in 1977, the Centre Pompidou has stood at the intersection of art, culture, and innovation, with its iconic building serving as a hub for exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and symposia. This exhibition is yet another testament to its mission to make art accessible to a global audience, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually.