On June 18, the National Museum of Lithuania opened a new international exhibition, RAVE NATION. Dancing to the Sounds of Freedom. 1992–2004, in the Lukiškės Prison Complex (Lukiškių skg. 6, Vilnius). The exhibition tells the story of the Lithuanian rave scene, showcasing works by renowned artists and authentic artifacts from the community itself. Visitors will also gain access to areas of the prison never before opened to the public.

A Tribute to the Rhythm of Freedom

In the 1990s, shortly after the restoration of independence, rave became a symbol—often illegal or semi-legal—of Western life for Lithuanian youth. The rave scene flourished in cities across the country—from Vilnius and Kaunas to Marijampolė and Panevėžys—each cultivating its own rhythm and identity. Parties took place in abandoned bomb shelters, former barracks, sports halls, even in collective farm buildings or library cafés. Rave offered a space for free cultural and aesthetic expression to a generation hungry for it, one that had just witnessed the collapse of the Soviet Union.

RAVE NATION invites visitors to explore Lithuania’s rave culture—from the first underground parties to nightclubs, from dance floors to art installations, from individual bodily experiences to collective utopias. Party artifacts intertwine with artworks by well-known artists, personal stories from ravers, and the unique setting of Lukiškės Prison.

An Authentic Narrative by the Rave Community

The exhibition was created in close collaboration with the rave community itself—through shared stories, memories, loaned objects, and artistic contributions. This ensures an authentic account of the Lithuanian rave experience.

“Communities must be empowered to tell their own stories,” says Dr. Rūta Kačkutė, Director General of the National Museum of Lithuania. “I am deeply grateful to the many members of the rave community who shared their memories, artifacts, and creative works for this exhibition. Their contributions are at the heart of this narrative. I am proud that the National Museum of Lithuania has brought this exhibition to life, reaffirming our commitment to presenting history from multiple perspectives and fostering an inclusive cultural dialogue.”

Exhibition Unveils Previously Inaccessible Prison Spaces

RAVE NATION opens up parts of the Lukiškės Prison Complex that have never before been accessible to the public. Displayed within these unique spaces, the exhibition offers an immersive emotional experience that captures the true essence of a rave—and makes for an unforgettable visit.

“This is the largest exhibition in the history of the Lukiškės Prison conversion project. We are deeply grateful to the National Museum of Lithuania for the meaningful content, the trust, and the long-term partnership. It is a great privilege to open previously unseen parts of the prison complex for rave and to share its story. The curators, Justė Kostikovaitė and Egla Mikalajūnė, have done an incredible job. The exhibition and its accompanying events have already captured the attention of diverse communities, brought together countless heroes, and united us all. I sincerely thank all the heroes and partners who contributed to this project. I believe many people will visit this exhibition. The younger generation, guests of Vilnius, and tourists will discover the depth and diversity of Lithuania’s rave scene,” says Martynas Butkevičius, one of the authors of the Lukiškės Prison conversion initiative.

The exhibition features dedicated sections documenting various aspects of the electronic music scene: distribution channels, club infrastructure, rave communities, the visual culture of parties, fashion, and dance marathons. The show also integrates the work of celebrated artists, from installations exploring the transformation of dance floors to performances evoking the transcendent experience of dance.

The exhibition RAVE NATION. Dancing to the Sounds of Freedom. 1992–2004, presented by the National Museum of Lithuania, is open in the Lukiškės Prison Complex (Lukiškių skg. 6, Vilnius) till October 31, 2025. Tickets are available at Bilietai.lt. The program of accompanying events can be found at lnm.lt.

The exhibition is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. Media partners: LRT Opus and JCDecaux Lithuania. Institutional partners: Vilnius Night Office and the Vilnius City Municipality. Sponsors: Bosch Power Tools, EMP Recycling, IGIS, Knauf, Labas, Medžio bitės, Mex Pro, Mondriaan Fund, ROCKWOOL, Spirit, Videoprojektai.

Photos by Silvestras Samsonas, National Museum of Lithuania