Stasys Museum Opens in Panevėžys, Elevating Baltic Arts Scene

The Stasys Museum, dedicated to Stasys Eidrigevičius, opens in Panevėžys, aiming to become an international art hub with significant cultural contributions.

Lithuanian city Panevėžys celebrates the opening of the Stasys Museum, dedicated to the works of renowned artist Stasys Eidrigevičius. With an investment of over 10 million euros, the museum aims to position Panevėžys as a significant cultural center in the Baltics.

Located between Vilnius and Riga, Panevėžys is striving to become an international art hub. The Stasys Museum will house Eidrigevičius' extensive collection and host international collaborations. Rytis Račkauskas, City Mayor of Panevėžys, emphasized the museum's transformative impact on the city and region, stating, "It's a game-changer that shapes the identity of the city, the entire region, and Lithuania."

The museum will foster global art culture through partnerships with internationally acclaimed artists and institutions. Vaida Andrijauskaitė, Director of Stasys Museum, highlighted the museum's role in making internationally recognized art accessible, thus boosting artistic curiosity and culture sector development in the area.

The museum will kick off its international engagement with a solo exhibition by renowned Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch, a key figure in the Vienna actionism movement. This autumn exhibition is expected to draw significant attention.

In addition to its local presence, the museum will participate in the Lyon Contemporary Art Biennale 2024, showcasing Stasys' one-line drawings and large-scale paintings. This exhibition is part of the festival The Lithuanian Season in France, starting in November.

The ICON - O - STASYS exhibit will span over 1,000 square meters across three floors, showcasing Eidrigevičius' artistic evolution. The exhibition will include his diverse body of work, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and bookplates. Eidrigevičius' pieces are featured in prominent collections worldwide, including the British Museum and the Vatican Museum.

The museum also celebrates Eidrigevičius' influence on Polish art, where he has resided since 1980. His significant contributions were recognized in 2019 when he received the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit from Poland. Nearly 100 visitors from Poland have already registered for the museum's opening night.

Community involvement is central to the museum's mission. Director Andrijauskaitė emphasized the importance of engaging local communities, with nearly 100 volunteers contributing to the museum's operations. The museum's architecture, designed by IMPLMNT architects Aurimas Syrusas, Greta Šidlauskaitė, and Ričardas Bertašius, embodies simplicity, logic, and fantasy.

The Stasys Museum is now open to the public. Visitors are invited to explore the ICON - O - STASYS exhibition, on display until November 2024, and appreciate the museum's monumental yet minimalistic architecture.