MO Museum
The MO Museum in Vilnius is a contemporary art museum that explores modern Lithuanian culture through its extensive collection, dynamic exhibitions, and community-focused programmes.
The MO Museum, located in the centre of Vilnius, is a contemporary art museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Lithuanian culture. Opened in 2018, it was founded by scientists and philanthropists Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus with the goal of making art accessible and engaging for a broad public. The building, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, has become both a recognised architectural landmark and an active cultural meeting place in the city.
The museum’s collection includes more than 6,000 works by Lithuanian artists from the 1950s to today. Its exhibitions trace how art has reflected and responded to the country’s changing cultural, social, and political circumstances, offering a visual record of Lithuania’s modern history through the perspectives of its artists.
In addition to its core collection, the MO Museum presents temporary exhibitions, installations, and events that connect Lithuanian art with international themes and debates. Many exhibitions focus on artists who challenged artistic and political limits during the Soviet period, while others explore current social and cultural issues through contemporary art.
Education and participation are central to the museum’s mission. It organises creative programmes for schools, young people, and families, encouraging dialogue and hands-on engagement with art. A varied public programme of talks, concerts, screenings, and festivals brings together audiences with different interests and backgrounds.
As a 2024 DASA Award nominee, the MO Museum has been recognised for its innovative approach to museum practice and public engagement. It demonstrates how a contemporary museum can combine research, education, and community involvement to create a space where art helps people understand and question the world around them.