MO museum in Vilnius: a modern art preview

Can you imagine some 5000 modern artworks and a stunning crystal-white architecture surrounded by colorful Vilnius Old Town buildings? Well, in the very heart of Vilnius, Lithuanian art finally found its new home at the MO Museum. It is a brand new private modern art museum that opened the doors only a couple of weeks ago. The Lithuanian philanthropist couple Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus, with their personal initiative, established the MO museum, that has already become one of the most visiting museums in whole Lithuania. It is a new, fresh and excellent place for all artists and art lovers. The very first MO Museum exhibition “All Art Is About Us” present the major Lithuanian artworks from the 1950s to this day. So, let’s take a deeper look into the modern art preview in the MO Museum.

A different perspective

The first thing I would like to say, and that you definitely have to experience is to see the museum from the outside. Not only to see but to stop for a moment and observe it. During the first seconds, you might think that something is not logical there. Standing in the cozy and tiny Trakai street full of Old Town spirit, in front of your eyes you will see a huge white and modern building full of lights and glass. It looks like this building was just dropped into the tiny and elegant Old Town’s scenery. But it's like with modern art - in the first seconds, it can look strange, but suddenly you become more and more in love with it. The same goes for the MO Museum. The first impression is replaced by a warm feeling that you are going to love this place. And it is absolutely true. The whole museum has this vibrant art and intelligence aura. Moreover, the architecture of the MO perfectly suits the whole concept - a clean-white colour with a big open space full of light.

A movie theatre & Titanic

Originally, in the place where now the MO is standing, used to be one of the oldest and one of the first Lithuanian movie theatres “Lietuva”. For some older generations, this place has still the nostalgic feeling and memories. For instance, half of the Vilnius people were standing there in the queue to see James Cameron's movie “Titanic” for the first time. But the time has passed, and the "Lietuva" movie theatre gave the place for some new winds in the town.

All Art Is About Us

The MO Museum was created to be alive - full of people, art, movies, various exhibitions, concerts, and seminars. And Vilnius needed a place like this. One of the goals of the museum creators, as they say, is to establish a living and creating MOdernist community. Thus, the museum has more open spaces, besides the exhibitions halls - a reading room, café, shop, even a sculpture garden outside and a terrace above the Old Town. The first exhibition “All Art Is About Us” presents the major Lithuanian modern artworks from the 1950s. It consists of paintings, sculptures, and installations. The museum by itself is very welcoming. It was created for everyone, so it doesn't matter if you are a professional art critic or just a curious student, everyone is welcome here.

The museum is open all days, except Tuesdays, from 10 AM till 8 PM, and on Fridays from 10 AM till 10 PM. The tickets for children, seniors, and students are just 3,5 €, and a regular ticket is 7 €.

The MO Museum is the spot you cannot miss while staying in Vilnius. An initiative to bring all the art lovers and professionals together gave the Vilnius people and visitors an unforgettable experience to learn more about Lithuanian modern art. Even if you are not interested in the modern art preview, it is always possible to join any of various activities such as concerts, seminars or discussions. After all, All Art Is About Us, and as some people say - art is food for our souls. 

MO Museum Vilnius

Pylimo g. 17, Vilnius 01141, Lietuva