Published: 20250213
"With this exhibition, we aim to showcase a lesser-known yet significant aspect of the Bank of Lithuania’s work – our contribution to the preservation and promotion of culture and art," said Gediminas Šimkus, Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania, at the opening ceremony.
Organised in collaboration with the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and the Money Museum, this exhibition by the Lietuvos Bankas continues the museum’s tradition of inviting visitors to explore not only the rich cultural history and heritage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania but also the country’s later journey towards independence and sovereignty.
This time, the spotlight is on the Lietuvos Bankas' extensive art collection, featuring a selection of rarely seen artworks acquired over the years. Exhibition „Unveiled: The Art Collection of Lietuvos bankas“ unveils nearly 200 pieces, many of which have been part of the collection since the interwar period and are now being presented to the wider public for the first time.
Following its re-establishment in 1990, the Lietuvos Bankas carried on the legacy of the pre-war central bank, drawing inspiration from the practices of other European institutions. As part of this tradition, the bank began acquiring artworks to adorn key institutional spaces, reflecting its commitment to aesthetics and cultural heritage. The paintings and sculptures on display highlight the original vision behind the collection, which remains alive today through ongoing acquisitions.
"We want to introduce the public to a different side of the Lietuvos Bankas – one that goes beyond finance and demonstrates our dedication to art and culture. Our collection remains largely unknown, and this exhibition is an opportunity to change that," said Šimkus.
The exhibition features outstanding works by both interwar and contemporary Lithuanian artists, including Petras Rimša, Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, Justinas Vienožinskis, Augustinas Savickas, Jonas Švažas, Adomas Galdikas, Juozas Mikėnas, Dalia Kasčiūnaitė, and others.
"The goal is not to transform the bank into a museum or a public gallery. Instead, the collection follows a tradition shared by many European central banks: acquiring art to enrich institutional spaces and create an inspiring environment," noted the exhibition organisers.
Curated by art historian Dr Viktoras Liutkus, with exhibition design by Povilas Vincentas Jankūnas and coordination by Asta Ravaitytė-Kučinskienė, Head of the Money Museum, the exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Lietuvos Bankas, the Money Museum, and the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
For the first time, the Lietuvos Bankas and the Palace of the Grand Dukes Museum invite the public to discover the most valuable pieces from the bank’s art collection.
The exhibition „Unveiled: The Art Collection of Lietuvos bankas“ is open to visitors until 18 May 2025.
