Kazys Varnelis House-Museum

Vilnius

museums

art

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Kazys Varnelis is one of the most outstanding and unique personalities in Lithuanian art. His optical art compositions organically fuse modernity and traditional Lithuanian elements and enrich the very best museums around the globe. However, the biggest treasure trove of Kazys Varnelis's works is hidden right next to the Town Hall of Vilnius.

At first glance, the building at number 26 on Didžioji Street does not look particularly special at all. That’s what makes Kazys Varnelis House-Museum an even more pleasant discovery. There is a kind of pleasant mystery about it. As soon as you walk through its doors, you immediately realize that you are in a special place. The small building is actually a labyrinth of several connecting houses, full of authentic Gothic and Renaissance architectural details. But even more important is what hangs on its walls. Kazys Varnelis fled to the West during the Second World War, where he eventually gained worldwide recognition. After Lithuania regained its independence, the artist returned to his homeland and donated his incredible collection to the state. As you wander around the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum, you will get a chance to know both the artist's paintings and the collection of artworks he amassed over the years. There is also a library of almost 10,000 books and a chance to visit the studio used by Kazys Varnelis himself. Be sure to join a guided tour to get the most out of the experience.