This May, the Kazys Varnelis House–Museum, a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania, invites visitors to discover a lesser-known passion of the renowned optical art pioneer, collector, and bibliophile Kazys Varnelis—his love for books. In celebration of Press Restoration, Language, and Book Day on May 7, the museum will host a month-long program of book-themed events, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities.

Currently on view is an exhibition showcasing the most beautiful Czech and Lithuanian books, revealing recent trends in mass-produced book design in Lithuania and the Czech Republic. This annual exhibition introduces visitors to publications awarded in book art competitions, recognized for their graphic quality, original design, conceptual richness, and printing craftsmanship.

Every Saturday in May at 2:00 PM, the museum will offer guided tours of Kazys Varnelis’s personal library, providing an intimate look at the history and significance of this remarkable bibliophile collection. Tour participants will be able to view some of the most impressive and valuable books up close and explore a new library display, which highlights the design diversity of Varnelis’s collection and introduces the creators behind these publications.

“Books accompanied Kazys Varnelis throughout his life—as a source of knowledge, a form of aesthetic experience, and a witness to historical memory. The artist and his wife, Gabrielė Varnelienė, were passionate bibliophiles and collectors, amassing a rich collection of Lithuanian heritage publications, rare books, and art albums. As Press Restoration, Language, and Book Day is celebrated on May 7, we invite our museum guests to dedicate the entire month of May to the book and the press. Through Varnelis’s extraordinary collection, we hope visitors will experience the value of books and see book art as an inseparable part of visual culture,” says Dr. Daiva Vaišnienė, Head of the Kazys Varnelis House–Museum.

Educational Program for Children and Adults

A creative educational program has been prepared for young visitors and their families, featuring renowned Lithuanian illustrators, winners of the 2024 Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books competition.

May 3 at 3:00 PM – Workshop with illustrator Lina Itagaki: “What Did Your Bobas Eat?” This session is designed for children aged 3 to 6. Young visitors will hear a story told by the illustrator about Bob the Glutton and then use their imagination to draw what else the character might have devoured.

May 10 at 3:00 PM – Workshop with illustrator Simona Buze: “My and the Fox’s Map,” inspired by the book Sesė (Sister). Participants will create a map of their favorite real or imaginary places. Using collage techniques, they will combine the illustrator’s and their own drawings. The activity encourages free-form cutting, gluing, and visual storytelling—imagining places to meet a sister, brother, or friend. Suitable for children of all ages.

May 17 at 3:00 PM – Workshop with illustrator Kornelija Žalpyte: “Create Your Own Diorama,” inspired by the book My Friend Hippocampus Unicorn by Jurga Vilė and Kornelija Žalpyte. This workshop invites children and their parents to dream up and build whimsical underwater creatures who wish to join a mysterious underwater circus.

May 24 at 3:00 PM – Creative workshop with illustrator Inga Navickaitė-Drąsutė, winner of the main prize in the 2024 Book Art Competition: “Notebook Design Studio” Participants will design their own custom notebook, inspired by design concepts used in Erika Povilonytė’s book La vaste raison des gestes. Participants can choose canvas and paper, compose a cover, and bind the notebook using a simple hand-stitching method. All are welcome to bring personal materials—such as letters or clippings—to include in the project.
Open to participants of all ages.

May 31 at 3:00 PM – Creative workshop with artist Sigutė Chlebinskaitė: “Knock Knock. Who’s There? Open the Door,” inspired by the work of Bruno Munari. Bruno Munari (1907–1998), a contemporary of Kazys Varnelis, was one of the most influential Italian artists of the 20th century. He made significant contributions to painting, industrial and graphic design, and creative education. Through playful exploration, participants will learn creative thinking and discover the inner world of book art. Open to participants of all ages.

The exhibitions and events are organized by the Kazys Varnelis House–Museum, a division of the National Museum of Lithuania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius, the project “Knygų šalis” (Bookland), and the Book Art Competition.

The Exhibition of the Most Beautiful Czech and Lithuanian Books will be on display until May 25.