This weekend saw the four-day celebration of the opening of the brand new Modern Art Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania. The striking new structure, designed by New York-based Daniel Libeskind, ‘is conceived as a cultural “gateway” connecting the 18th century grid to the medieval walled city', explains the architect; it also proudly features its creator's signature sculptural style.
The museum – called MO – and its public plaza is steps away from Vilnius' historic medieval city, and the whole complex spans some 3,100 sq m. It was an essential piece of work to connect the country's present, future and past, says the museum's director, Milda Ivanauskiene.
‘The MO Modern Art Museum is a cultural milestone for the city of Vilnius and Lithuania as a whole. This new world-class institution will showcase local art and will explore its links with the global art scene,' says Ivanauskiene. ‘These never before seen works of art created behind the Iron Curtain will finally have a venue and international audience'.
The MO museum complex includes a new public plaza for Vilnius.
The structure features a relatively simple, rectalinear facade, clad in white plaster, referencing the city's existing architecture. A centrally placed, open staircase at the building's heart guides the visitor through the museum and also appears on its facade, cutting through and connecting the street with the upper floors.
Inside, a variety of galleries allow for the admiration of local art, bathed in light through glazed facades and open planning, and lead to outdoor areas such as a terrace and a sculpture garden at the rear. The halls will host both permanent and temporary shows. The museum also includes a café, bookstore, educational areas, auditorium, storage and administrative spaces; so there really is something for everybody there.
‘As someone who has a true appreciation for the history and beauty of Vilnius, I believe the building and its architecture will become a wonderful place to enjoy art and the spirit of the city', says Libeskind.
The structure was designed to connect the city's past, present and future.
A dramatic staircase connects the street with the galleries inside, drawing people in
The interiors feature galleries for permanent and temporary shows, which are bathed in light through glazed facades
A striking spiral staircase inside links the lobby area with different galleries.
Libeskind's signature sculptural style is evident throughout.
The building also includes a café, bookstore, educational areas, auditorium, storage and administrative spaces.
INFORMATION
For more information visit the Studio Libeskind website
-
Formafantasma’s biodiversity-boosting installation in a Perrier Jouët vineyard is cross-pollination at its bestFormafantasma and Perrier Jouët unveil the first project in their ‘Cohabitare’ initiative, ‘not only a work of art but also a contribution to the ecosystem’
-
Gingerbread City: architects sculpt London out of the season's favourite treatUntil December 29 in Chelsea, see London brought to life in a seasonal-appropriate medium by leading architects and designers
-
New Revox B77 MK III reel-to-reel tape recorder, and more cassette tape-based trickeryThe new Revox B77 MK III might be the ultimate analogue flex. In response, we’ve explored the outer reaches of cassette tape design
-
Gulbenkian Foundation's new art centre by Kengo Kuma is light and invitingLisbon's Gulbenkian Foundation reveals its redesign and new contemporary art museum, Centro de Arte Moderna (CAM), by Kengo Kuma with landscape architects VDLA
-
Modernist architecture: inspiration from across the globeModernist architecture has had a tremendous influence on today’s built environment, making these midcentury marvels some of the most closely studied 20th-century buildings; here, we explore the genre by continent
-
Minimalist architecture: homes that inspire calmThese examples of minimalist architecture place life in the foreground – clutter is demoted; joy promoted
-
The iconic British house: key examples exploredNew book ‘The Iconic British House’ by Dominic Bradbury explores the country’s best residential examples since 1900
-
Loyle Carner’s Reading Festival 2023 stage presents spatial storytelling at its finestWe talk to Loyle Carner and The Unlimited Dreams Company (UDC) about the musical artist’s stage set design for Reading Festival 2023
-
The Leaf is a feat of engineering and an ode to the Canadian PrairiesThe Leaf in Winnipeg, Canada, is the first interactive horticultural attraction of its kind: a garden and greenhouse complex promoting a better understanding of how people can connect with plants
-
Behind the V&A East Museum’s pleated façadeBehind the new V&A East Museum’s intricate façade is a space for the imagination to unfold
-
Casa Monoculo offers a take on treetop living in BrazilCasa Monoculo by architect Alan Chu is a house raised above the treetops in Alto Paraiso City, Brazil
