MO Museum
A striking contemporary art museum dedicated to Lithuanian modernism, housing 6,000 works spanning the 1950s to present in a sculptural building by Daniel Libeskind.
At a glance
The MO Museum opened to the public on 18 October 2018 as a permanent home for a major private collection of modern and contemporary Lithuanian art. The 3,100 square-metre structure rises 17 metres above Vilnius’s cultural quarter, designed collaboratively by Studio Libeskind and Do Architects. Beyond its exhibition galleries, the museum functions as a cultural hub—hosting film screenings, educational workshops, concerts and events for all ages.
History
The museum evolved from a decade-long initiative by Lithuanian scientists and philanthropists Danguolė Butkienė and Viktoras Butkus, who operated their collection as an art museum without walls before establishing a permanent venue. The opening in 2018 marked the transition from itinerant programming to a fixed architectural landmark.
What you see
Daniel Libeskind designed the building as one of his most intimate projects, yet one he counts among his favourites. The structure introduces a formal departure for the architect: a spiral staircase employing the circular form for the first time in his work. The geometric composition balances monumental presence with spatial refinement, housing galleries, education spaces and event venues within its compact footprint.
Cultural significance
The museum represents a watershed moment for Lithuanian contemporary art, providing institutional validation and international visibility to the nation’s modern artistic heritage. Italian news agency ANSA ranked it among the world’s top ten 21st-century museums to visit, affirming its architectural and curatorial importance. The collection itself—spanning from post-war abstraction to contemporary practice—documents the evolution of Lithuanian visual culture across seven decades.
Key facts
- Country: Lithuania
- City: Vilnius
- Opened: 18 October 2018
- Building area: 3,100 sq.m.
- Height: 17 metres
- Architects: Studio Libeskind and Do Architects
- Collection size: 6,000 modern and contemporary artworks
- Coordinates: 54.679444444444, 25.277777777778
Practical information & getting there
The museum is located in central Vilnius and accessible by public transport and private vehicle. Check opening hours, admission fees and current exhibitions on the museum’s official website before your visit. The venue welcomes diverse audiences and offers programmes tailored to different age groups.
Sources & resources
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