MO Museum

Overview

The MO Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a dynamic modern art institution that opened its doors to the public on October 18, 2018. It is the result of a private initiative by Lithuanian scientists and philanthropists Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus, who envisioned a space to house their extensive collection of modern and contemporary Lithuanian art. Situated at Pylimo g. 17, this cultural beacon quickly established itself as a significant landmark in the city.

The museum's collection comprises over 5,000 to 6,000 works, spanning Lithuanian art from the 1960s to the present day. Its striking building was designed by the internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind of Studio Libeskind, in collaboration with the Lithuanian firm Do Architects. The MO Museum operates with a mission to collect, preserve, and make accessible Lithuanian visual art, fostering engagement and understanding of the country's artistic journey.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the MO Museum began long before its physical inauguration. In 2008, Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus started assembling their art collection, initially functioning as a 'museum without walls'. Their dedication led to the collection being recognized as being of national significance in 2011. The founders' visionary patronage was later acknowledged when they were named citizens of honor of Vilnius city in 2019.

The core of the MO collection focuses on art created from the 1960s onwards, a period crucial for Lithuanian cultural modernization and a gradual liberation that followed the Stalin era. This includes many works that were ideologically unacceptable during the Soviet period and thus overlooked by state-run museums. By bringing these pieces to light, MO Museum offers a unique perspective on Lithuanian history and artistic expression. The museum's physical structure stands on the site of the former Lietuva Cinema, symbolically linking past and present.

What Makes It Special

The MO Museum is special not only for its rich collection but also for its groundbreaking architecture and innovative approach to visitor engagement. Daniel Libeskind designed the building as a 'cultural gateway', symbolizing the connection between Vilnius' medieval Old Town and its 18th-century New Town. Libeskind himself noted that while it was his smallest project, it was one of his favorites, and marked the first time he incorporated a circular form – evident in the museum's dramatic spiral staircase.

The museum challenges traditional exhibition formats with its 'no-permanent-exposition' model, ensuring fresh and dynamic experiences through regularly changing exhibitions in its main and smaller halls. Beyond exhibitions, MO Museum is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting film screenings, educational workshops, concerts, and various events for all age groups. Its commitment to accessibility and innovation earned it recognition as one of the top five art museums in Europe in 2023. Visitors can also marvel at a digitally restored fragment of a 1972 fresco by Algirdas Steponavičius and Birutė Žilytė, adding another layer of historical and artistic depth.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The MO Museum has garnered international acclaim, being included in the Italian news agency ANSA's Top 10 21st-century museums to visit. Its design, characterized by a luminous white plaster facade and a dramatic open staircase, references local building materials and creates an expressive counterpoint to its minimal exterior. This open space, including a public terraced roof and an interior courtyard, is designed to be accessible to the public 24/7, serving as a venue for city events.

Beyond its walls, MO Museum has initiated engaging public art projects in Vilnius. The 'Literatų Street' project features over 200 plates by various artists installed on a wall, celebrating Lithuanian literature. Another notable initiative is 'Vilnius Talking Statues', which brought interactivity to 15 local statues, making Vilnius the fourth city globally to implement such a project. The museum also reaches out to communities through its 'Travelling Museum' project, conducting lessons and meetings to introduce Lithuanian culture in non-traditional ways.

Visitor Perspective

Visitors consistently praise the MO Museum for its engaging experience, particularly art enthusiasts. The museum's curation of its modern art collection is highly regarded, offering a fresh perspective on Lithuanian artistic heritage. Many visitors find a meditative ambiance within its spaces, often highlighting the impressive cloud-themed area and the striking black and white staircase as memorable features.

To enhance the visitor journey, MO Museum provides audio guides in multiple languages, allowing for a deeper exploration of the artworks and the artists' stories. The museum is designed with the visitor in mind, offering educational areas, a comfortable café, and a well-stocked bookstore. It truly serves as a welcoming space where people can connect with art, participate in cultural events, and feel like an active part of the artistic dialogue, fulfilling its founders' vision of a vibrant and accessible institution.