European Night of Museum 2026

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, in celebration of International Museum Day, European Museum Night events will be held in Šiauliai, as across Europe. During the evening and night hours, 23 museums and cultural institutions in Šiauliai will open their exhibition doors and invite visitors to explore them free of charge. The event “European Night of Museums,” which has become a tradition, invites people in Šiauliai to take part in free evening activities under the theme “Stories of Our Citizenship.”

Museum admission is FREE.

FULL MUSEUM PROGRAM

Photography Museum (Vilniaus St. 140):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

Clock Square

Educational workshop – interactive civic engagement platform “Because I Care”

2nd Floor

Exhibition “Freedom for Photography!”
Activity space for the educational workshop and interactive civic platform “Because I Care”

3rd Floor

Urtė Jasenka | Performance “The Worst”
Protest as a form of civic engagement. Exhibition “To Hear”

4th Floor, Gallery

Exhibition “Generation of Change: Transformations in Šiauliai Photography in the 1980s”

Rooftop Terrace

7:00 PM–8:30 PM – SLAM: WORD AS PROTEST (in cooperation with NGO “Begemotas” and Šiauliai Art Gallery)
8:30 PM–12:00 AM – Vinyl vibrations with Arturas Vai

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The Chaimas Frenkelis Villa-Museum (Vilniaus st., 74):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

Educational Activities

• 7:00 PM–9:00 PM – Workshop “Spin, Little Spinner”
• 9:00 PM–11:00 PM – Workshop “Jewish Dreidels”
• 8:00 PM–10:00 PM – Workshop “Keychain with Frenkel Factory Imprint”

Workshop “Color and Learn”

• Virtual storytelling experience “The Chimney of the Frenkel Factory Tells the Story of Šiauliai”
• Guided tours in the Restoration Department at 6:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM, and 11:15 PM

Concerts in the Park from 7:30 PM

• Tina Lukoševičiūtė
• Band “De Capo”
• Band “OSHIA”
• Band “Pymper”

In the Park (7:00 PM–12:00 AM)

• “Bleu de Frenkel” outdoor terrace
• Outdoor games

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Venclauskiai House-Museum (Vytauto St. 89):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

• Visit exhibitions presenting the life and activities of the Venclauskis family and the history of Šiauliai in the first half of the 20th century
• Exhibition “Stasys Šalkauskis: The Philosopher and His World”
• Exhibition “The People’s Auditorium – Witness to Šiauliai History”
• Reenactments of theatre performances staged in the People’s Auditorium during the early 20th century

Performed by the Šiauliai Arts School theatre studio “Neribotai”:

• 8:00 PM – “America in the Bathhouse”
• 9:00 PM – “Tadas Blinda, the Corrector of the World”

In the Orphans’ Garden

• 7:00 PM–10:00 PM – First aid and civil safety education by the Lithuanian Red Cross

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Šiauliai History Museum (Aušros al. 47):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

• Exhibition visits
• 7:00 PM – Free guided tour “Classicism: From Manor to City”
• 7:00 PM–10:00 PM – Educational activity “Color History: The Coat of Arms of Šiauliai”
• 7:00 PM–10:00 PM – Educational activity “Interwar Primary School: Handwriting”
• 7:00 PM–11:00 PM – Educational activity “Archaeological Costume: Twisting Strings with Pebbles”
• 9:30 PM–11:00 PM – Broadcasts of Voice of America radio programmes

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Žaliūkiai Village Miller's Farmstead-Museum (Architektų St. 73):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

This year’s theme of the European Night of Museums in Šiauliai is “Stories of Our Citizenship.” At the Žaliūkiai Miller’s Farmstead-Museum, visitors are invited to hear live stories about people who preserved the city’s memory, cultural heritage, and spirit of freedom through their work.

8:00 PM

“The Civic Story of One Mill: The Mill That Was Not Taken Away”

A story about the resistance of museum workers and the local community in 1972 against plans to relocate the Žaliūkiai Mill to Rumšiškės. A story of determination to preserve a symbol of the city and its cultural memory.

Storyteller: Julius Vainorius, curator at the Šiauliai “Aušra” Museum.

9:00 PM

“Hikes That Fostered Freedom: Stories of Hikers”

A story about the history of the hiking movement in Lithuania and Šiauliai. An evening about togetherness, the spirit of freedom, travel, and people for whom hiking became a way of life.

Memories shared by Vidmantas Bezaras, Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture.

“The Monument Reclaimed by the People”

A story about one of the most significant civic actions of the Lithuanian Reawakening period in Šiauliai – the 1988 initiative by the “Aukuras” club to restore the original appearance of the Independence Monument at Rebels’ Hill.

Memories shared by Rimvydas Tamulaitis, cultural activities manager at the Šiauliai “Aušra” Museum.

10:00 PM–12:00 AM

Evening conversations and songs around the campfire with hikers Vidmantas Bezaras and Rimvydas Tamulaitis.

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Bicycle Museum (Vilniaus St 139):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

• Visits to museum exhibitions
• Documentary film “Don Quixotes on Wheels” screenings at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM
• 7:00 PM–11:00 PM – Educational workshop “Creating a Themed Bookmark”
• 7:00 PM–11:00 PM – “Selfiespot” photo area
• 7:00 PM–11:00 PM – Orientation activity with short tasks in the museum exhibition

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Radio and Television Museum (Vilniaus St. 174):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

During Museum Night, visitors will see an exhibition on the history of sound and image reproduction devices. Guests are invited to explore, discover, and perhaps see various technical devices for the first time. You will hear working mechanical gramophones, record players, and tape recorders.

From 7:00 PM–10:00 PM, broadcasts of Voice of America and Vatican Radio programmes will be played.

The museum also features a modern creative workshop space resembling a video production studio, where educational activities will take place during Museum Night.

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Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy Art Gallery (Vilniaus St. 141):

7:00 PM–12:00 AM

Egidijus Koviera Solo Exhibition “Lost People”

“Lost People” is a documentary photography project spanning more than two decades, capturing individuals experiencing homelessness or living on the margins of social exclusion. The project began in Šiauliai and gradually expanded beyond the city, reflecting situations from various regions of Lithuania and abroad, revealing that this is not a local issue but a recurring social phenomenon in different contexts.

The project does not present theses or offer solutions. Instead, it leaves open questions:

When does life begin to slip away? Where does choice end and circumstance begin? Is it truly possible to “return,” and what does that mean? What does it mean to lose everything—or never have it at all? Do we really see, or do we only look? What remains when nothing is left?

The exhibition is part of the Šiauliai Photography Week 2026 programme.

More information:

https://fotomuziejus.lt/.../egidijus-koviera-paklyde-zmones/

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Vanda Kavaliauskienė‘s cat museum (Žuvininkų st. 18):

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

• Introduction to the museum and the story of its founder
• Impressive exhibition of 6,000 cat-themed items
• Meet the museum’s four resident cats

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Šiauliai Railroad Museum (Dubijos St 26):

6:00 PM–11:00 PM

The Railroad Museum in Šiauliai invites visitors to experience history coming alive and becoming a living dialogue that creates a shared narrative about civic engagement.

• Presentation of railway technology currently in use
• Programme by participants of Headquarters S5 civilian and military aviation base
• Lithuanian Red Cross presentations on first aid skills and civil safety
• Officers of the State Border Guard Service Pagėgiai Border Unit revealing behind-the-scenes aspects of their work
• Outdoor game for younger visitors
• Activities in indoor and outdoor museum exhibitions

Special Events

• 7:00 PM – Junior specialist Andrius Mačanskis of the Riflemen Border Post and his service dog Noxas reveal the secrets of their unique service
• 8:00 PM – Audrius Laurynas performs musical pieces on saxophone

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Šiauliai Art Gallery (Tilžės St. 245):

7:00 PM–11:00 PM

• Free admission to the photography exhibition “Résumé 3”
• 8:00 PM – Guided tour of the exhibition with art critic and curator Virginijus Kinčinaitis

Registration required: https://forms.gle/kLzecmRZPjsyDS1t5

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State Šiauliai Drama Theatre (Tilžės St. 155):

7:00 PM–10:00 PM

Scenography elements and revived characters from the performance “Planet Ego” and the film “The Castle”, inviting visitors to immerse themselves more deeply in the world of the work.

Film Screening: “The Castle”

7:30 PM–9:30 PM

Location: Main Hall

Doors open at 7:00 PM

About the Film

“The Castle” is a visually striking allegory of Soviet power in the 20th century based on Franz Kafka’s novel, sensitively and sharply revealing the individual’s struggle against invisible structures of power.

The protagonist, a young man named K., arrives in a village hoping to enter a mysterious castle. Unusual laws govern the place: villagers are subject to the influence of the castle’s vampiric rulers. Trying to understand his task, K. seeks access to the castle and contact with his superior Klamm, but becomes trapped in an absurd system where everything is regulated, yet nothing is explained.

In the labyrinth of the 20th century, K. wanders in search of answers, redemption, freedom, and his true self. The attraction of the castle ultimately leads toward the collapse of the Soviet Union and the bloody Sunday events of 1991.

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Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis Art Gymnasium Art Center (P. Višinskis St. 19):

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

The Art Centre will present the institution’s history and development over its 86 years of existence. This is not only an introduction to the school’s past, but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of culture and art in society.

Visitors are invited to learn more about the exceptional personality of Professor Saulius Sondeckis and see his personal belongings reflecting his artistic and public legacy. Music performed during the event and the open spaces of the gymnasium will encourage not only observation, but also a sense of community, living cultural continuity, and each individual’s role in nurturing it.

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Military museum (P. Višinskio St. 38):

6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Explore the development of Lithuanian warfare and defence, 20th-century partisan wars, and military uniforms.

Entrance from the courtyard side.

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Jonas Krivickas history museum at Julius Janonis gymnasium (Tilžės st. 137):

6:00 PM–9:30 PM

In the museum and its basements, visitors will discover unique stories and facts about the school, have the opportunity to sit at an old wooden school desk, and study from old textbooks.

The gymnasium museum is a place where past and present meet, where every exhibit tells its own story. The school is not only a building or events, but also the people who studied or worked there. Visitors will be invited to share their own school memories, as the history of the gymnasium is still being written.

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Baltic culture education centre “Balts’ Road” (Vilniaus st. 213):

7:00 PM–11:00 PM

The “Baltų Kelias” Centre invites visitors to follow the paths of their ancestors. It is the only interactive Baltic culture centre in Lithuania and Latvia.

Various games and attractions transport visitors into the magical world of the ancestors, full of unusual objects, meaningful symbols, and fascinating facts.

Using modern technologies, the centre presents Baltic culture and history. Visitors will not only refresh their knowledge, but also learn something new, “try on” a Baltic profession, and capture moments in colourful photo sessions.

It is a great opportunity to explore Lithuanian history and culture through senses and play.

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Šiauliai Cinema Museum (Aušros alley st. 15):

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Visit the exhibition on the history of cinema in Šiauliai and enjoy the film retrospective “Šiauliai in Cinema Films.”

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The house of artist Gerardas Bagdonavičius (Aušros al. 84):

6:00 PM–10:00 PM

The residence-studio of one of the most famous Šiauliai artists of the 20th century, Gerardas Bagdonavičius, is one of the city’s most expressive wooden interwar modernist buildings. It was designed by architect Karolis Reisonas together with Gerardas Bagdonavičius himself.

The artist lived here from 1936 to 1986 and established a private drawing studio, making the building significant not only for the artist himself but also for many other notable personalities. In 2018, the house was restored and adapted with spaces presenting the artist’s life and work.

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Peliksas Bugailiškis House (Žemaitės St. 83):

7:00 PM–10:00 PM

The house presents one of the most prominent personalities of the Šiauliai region – lawyer, public figure, ethnographer, and promoter of museum culture Peliksas Bugailiškis (1883–1965).

On the first floor, visitors can explore displays about Bugailiškis’ life and activities and experience the authentic atmosphere where cultural initiatives and ideas of a free Lithuania were nurtured.

He was one of the most significant cultural and public figures in Šiauliai and Lithuania during the first half of the 20th century. Educated in law at Saint Petersburg University, he actively participated in state-building and public activities, worked in the legal field, collaborated with the press, and contributed to strengthening Lithuanian culture and national identity. However, his most lasting contribution was in ethnography and museology — on his initiative, the Šiauliai “Aušra” Museum was founded on March 11, 1923, becoming one of Lithuania’s most important regional history and cultural research centres.

His work and ideas continue to remind us that living historical memory and care for cultural heritage are inseparable parts of a mature society.

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The school museum of Šiauliai Rėkyva (Poilsio st. 1):

From 6:00 PM

Educational programme: “I Will Return, Return, Return… Normundas Valteris – Patriot, Citizen, Soldier, Peacemaker”

Visitors will learn about the biography and work of Normundas Valteris. A display of personal belongings and memories shared by companions will be presented.

Duration: 45 minutes

Registration required:
https://forms.gle/W7DHVexWtdhFRMwV6

One participant group (15–20 people) at a time.

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Lithuanian Prison Service Šiauliai Prison Museum (Trakų St. 10):

Guided tours at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM

Visitors will learn about the penitentiary system, the history of the Šiauliai remand prison, living and leisure conditions of inmates, resocialization projects, working conditions of employees, and the institution’s activities.

All places are fully booked.

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Court History Museum of Šiauliai District Court (Dvaro St 83):

Guided tours at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM

The Museum of Court History at the Šiauliai Regional Court — the only one of its kind in Lithuania — features fascinating exhibits ranging from 16th-century documents to modern court rulings.

Visitors can explore interwar and Soviet-era judges’ offices, medieval torture instruments, judges’ robes, and more, while learning about courts, their history, and the judicial profession.

Museum Night participants will also see new exhibits and stories about Latvian and Estonian judges’ robes, Ukrainian law enforcement, constitutional courts of the world, 19th-century alphabetical registers of convicted persons from the Tsarist Russian Kaunas Regional Court, legal codes of that era, and more.

All places are fully booked.

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Guided tours at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM

Participants should gather on Trakų Street near the gates.

The White Prison is a city prison built in 1823 by Tsarist authorities, becoming an important witness to the history of Šiauliai.

It recalls the uprisings of 1831 and 1863–1864, the Revolution of 1905, political prisoners of the interwar period, and Soviet repressions.

What Will You See?

• Authentic stone masonry fence
• Late Classicist architecture
• Prison complex structure
• Cells and exercise yard
• Copies of archival documents
• Stories of uprisings and political prisoners

Photography during the tour is prohibited.

All places are fully booked.

* Registration is required only for museums where registration is specifically indicated. Visits to all other museums are open freely. Registration links were published on the Facebook profile “Museum Night in Šiauliai” and on the website https://naktismuziejuje.lt/