On March 20, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine Mykola Tochytskyi held several meetings to strengthen cooperation and support Ukrainian culture, during his official visit to Lithuania.
Photo: Gintare Grigenaite
In Vilnius, he met with Šarūnas Birutis, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. They discussed preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, training for restoration specialists, information resilience, and crisis preparedness in the sector.
“Ukraine and Lithuania share a history of fighting for freedom, and our unity has always been our strength. Our common heritage is the foundation of the future we are building together — a strong and united Europe”, said Mykola Tochytskyi.
Ukraine’s Minister expressed gratitude to Lithuania for its unwavering support, particularly for endorsing the Declaration on Strengthening Cultural Sector Resilience in Ukraine, adopted at an international conference in Uzhhorod. He also thanked Lithuania for joint exhibitions and its commitment to preserving Ukrainian culture.
Photo: Gintare Grigenaite
The ministers visited the Pranas Gudynas Conservation Center, where they met with its director, Juratė Senvaitienė. Mykola Tochytskyi expressed gratitude to the Center for helping restore Ukrainian artworks, including paintings by Maria Prymachenko. Owing to Lithuanian restorers, a new exhibition will soon open in Klaipėda, further strengthening cultural ties.
So far, the Center’s experts have restored over 50 paintings and 1,000 graphic works from Ukrainian museums, with plans to restore 600 more in the near future.
Photo: Gintare Grigenaite
Ukraine’s Minister also visited the Holy Trinity Monastery in Vilnius, which houses the Basilian Monastery Complex and the Church of the Holy Trinity. Today, this historic site remains a key spiritual and cultural center, hosting religious services, educational programs, and cultural events for Lithuania’s Ukrainian community.
Photo: Gintare Grigenaite
Photo: Gintare Grigenaite
At the Lithuanian National Museum, the Ukrainian and Lithuanian ministers explored the International Exhibition “Kyivan Rus: Origins”. Held under the patronage of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, the exhibition offers insight into the history of Kyivan Rus and its enduring traditions after its dissolution.
The exhibition features around 700 artifacts, including over 300 from Ukrainian museums, with a total insured value exceeding €10 million.
Photo: The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania
During his visit to Kaunas, Lithuania, Agnese Lāce, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, joined the delegation. Mykola Tochytskyi expressed gratitude for Latvia’s continued support and stressed the need to strengthen cooperation in strategic communications to counter russian disinformation and propaganda.
Photo: The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania
Together with Lithuania’s First Lady, Diana Nausėdienė, the ministers visited the M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art, where they were welcomed by its director, Daina Kamarauskienė. They also attended the opening of the exhibition “From Amber to the Stars together with M.K. Čiurlionis: Now and Then”, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the renowned artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. Featuring over 70 artworks and installations, the exhibition highlights Čiurlionis’ artistic vision and its impact on contemporary art.
Photo: Tomas Ivanauskas
Mykola Tochytskyi also visited the Ukrainian Center in Vilnius, the first cultural and educational space of its kind in the EU. Established on June 11, 2022, under the initiative and patronage of Ukraine’s First Lady, Olena Zelenska, and Lithuania’s First Lady, Diana Nausėdienė, the center supports displaced Ukrainians. Led by Erika Vaiginienė, it has become a key hub for adaptation, education, and cultural exchange. The Minister also viewed the exhibition “Lost Childhood”.
Since its opening, the Ukrainian Center has hosted over 4,000 events for children and adults, offering educational programs, language courses, psychological support, and cultural activities. It also organizes an annual summer camp for children, which has received highly positive feedback. The center serves as a safe and welcoming space for Ukrainians, a platform for international cooperation, and a bridge for cultural dialogue with the Lithuanian community.
Photo: Gustina Keturakytė
Photo: The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania
Photo: Gustina Keturakytė
Photo: Gustina Keturakytė
