Published: 20240926
Dr Pranas Kiznis, Director of the public institution PK Fund, has been granted the title of Patron by Vilnius City Municipality in recognition of his support exceeding 500,000 euros for the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. The Vilnius City Council approved this decision unanimously on 25 September 2024.
The title of Patron and its accompanying insignia are symbolic acknowledgements of significant contributions that foster the city’s growth, enhance community well-being and inspire other private initiatives to support the development of culture, the arts and sciences.
The collaboration between the museum and Dr Kiznis began in 2018 when he supported the celebrations marking the completion of the museum’s reconstruction on 6 July that year. His involvement continued in 2020, when he and the Vytis Support Fund donated a bronze bust of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and King of Poland Sigismund Augustus, complete with a pedestal, to the museum to commemorate the monarch’s 500th birth anniversary. In 2021, agreements were signed for the donation and loan of 14th–17th-century Italian paintings for the museum’s permanent exhibitions. The museum received, free of charge, an invaluable collection of 23 paintings by renowned Italian artists from the 14th–17th centuries. Visitors can view this collection in the Third Mannerist Antechamber of the museum’s second exhibition route, Restored Historic Interiors.
The gallery comprises works by Venetian, Lombard, Roman, Florentine, Sienese, Calabrian, Flemish, as well as Greek and Polish artists. Under an agreement between the museum and Dr Kiznis, this impressive collection is exhibited in a dedicated hall—historically one of the most important spaces in the Palace, located next to the Baroque Throne Hall, where grand ducal ceremonies and celebrations took place. Some paintings were donated to enrich Lithuania’s national cultural and artistic collections, while others have been entrusted to the museum for safekeeping and display for at least twenty years.
In 2023, Dr Kiznis donated a further 26 paintings representing 15th–17th-century Western European art, which led to the opening of a second hall in the Pranas Kiznis Gallery. At the end of 2023, six valuable 15th–17th-century Western European paintings from his collection were donated to the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. This donation is estimated to be worth six figures, while the artworks on deposit in the second hall are valued in the seven-figure range.
Dr Kiznis acknowledges that each visitor to the museum perceives art differently, but what matters most to him is that their visit brings enjoyment and provides an opportunity to appreciate artistic beauty. "I believe that many details might go unnoticed by visitors, but the images remain in their subconscious and continue to influence them," said Dr Kiznis. "I wish for people to live with beauty and goodness, sharing it with those around them. This is an endless process, but such is the mission of culture in our turbulent world."
According to Dr Kiznis, the real impact of his efforts will only become evident in ten or even twenty years. "In the world of culture, everything moves slowly. I understand that it takes time for cultural influences to manifest in society and for people to deepen their understanding of their European identity and connection to their history and cultural heritage. This is not the same as producing a sweet or fast-moving consumer good. The influence and value of culture cannot be measured in euros," he stated.
The collection of historical artworks, reflecting the contents of the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s art collection, was assembled after extensive searches in European auctions, antique shops and private collections. It was guided by historical sources and curated with the consultation of a team of art and cultural historians and museum restorers.
"On behalf of the museum community, I congratulate Dr Kiznis on this well-deserved award. His attention to and support for the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is an extraordinarily rare and exemplary gesture in Lithuania’s museum history. Thanks to this esteemed industrialist and Patron—who remains a truly humble individual—unique treasures of European art, long destroyed or looted by various invaders who ravaged Lithuanian lands, are returning to Lithuania. In doing so, we reclaim Lithuania’s European heritage markers and its place within Latin and Christian European civilisation, significantly enriching the museum’s collection and national holdings. My gratitude also extends to Dr Kiznis’ family members, who supported this initiative, as well as to his collector friends Edmundas Armoška and Vilius Kavaliauskas, who helped him make this decision," said Dr Vydas Dolinskas, Director-General of the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
According to the Patronage Law, municipalities with more than 25,000 permanent residents may grant the title of Patron to individuals who have contributed at least 250,000 euros to a sponsored project. In smaller municipalities, the minimum required contribution is 150,000 euros.
Dr Pranas Kiznis has also supported other important cultural projects in Lithuania, often focusing on regional initiatives. In recognition of his support for his hometown, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Pasvalys. He received a commendation from the Pope for his contributions to the Panevėžys Diocese. In 2015, President Dalia Grybauskaitė awarded him the Medal of the Order of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Gediminas. In 2021, President Gitanas Nausėda presented him with the Commander’s Cross of the Order For Merit to Lithuania. Additionally, the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts bestowed upon him the highest distinction of the Lithuanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Association—the Gold (First-Class) Labour Star Honour Badge.
