The House of Signatories’ the Lithuanian National Museum invites history enthusiasts from Vilnius to a series of events from September 16–25 dedicated to celebrating the 175th birthday of philanthropist and patron Juozapas Montvila (1850–1911). The program of the event series “Our Juozapas: J. Montvila – 175” includes a conference, guided tours in the Old Town, and an exhibition prepared by the event partner, the Lithuanian State Historical Archives.

“Our Mr. Juozapas”

Juozapas Montvila’s multifaceted work left a lasting mark on the history of Vilnius. He initiated the construction of residential complexes of exceptional architecture, known as “colonies,” and the city’s first power plant. Montvila supported artists and took care of their education. He also promoted crafts, organized exhibitions, and participated in the activities of the Society of Friends of Science in Vilnius. He founded and financed over 20 charitable organizations and served 16 years on the Vilnius City Council of the time.

Due to his extensive and active civic engagement, which improved the lives of thousands of Vilnius residents in various ways, citizens respectfully referred to Montvila as “our Mr. Juozapas.” However, in 21st-century Vilnius, his contributions are somewhat forgotten.

According to the event series coordinator, museum curator Milda Kruopienė of the Signatories’ House, it is impossible to briefly summarize Montvila’s activities:

“His work was extremely diverse, covering very different spheres. But how many signs of Montvila’s legacy can we still see in today’s Vilnius? How much architectural and urban planning heritage remains, and what survives only in old documents? And can we today confidently say that Montvila is ‘our Juozapas’? These are the questions we aim to explore during the event series,” says Kruopienė.

Art historian Dr. Laima Laučkaitė notes that knowledge of Montvila’s exceptional personality remains insufficient:

“Recent art history research over the last two decades reveals Montvila’s contributions, but knowledge of this outstanding individual is still largely limited to a narrow circle of specialists,” the scholar explains.

Conference: “175 Years of Juozapas Montvila”

According to Dr. Laučkaitė, while there were other patrons and philanthropists in early 20th-century Vilnius, none matched the scale and scope of Montvila’s activities.

“As art historian Nijolė Lukšionytė aptly observed, in a rigid Vilnius public life, Montvila demonstrated almost three decades of previously unimaginable positive social action. Although his social initiatives may no longer be relevant today, his concern for the welfare of society remains timeless,” emphasizes Dr. Laučkaitė.

Her presentation on Montvila’s patronage will take place on September 20 at 12:00 in the event hall of the Signatories’ House during the conference “175 Years of Juozapas Montvila.”

During the conference, Neringa Češkevičiūtė and Dr. Violeta Pansevič (Lithuanian State Historical Archives) will present on Montvila’s family origins, noble heritage, and education. Milda Kruopienė will discuss Montvila’s social mission and how he helped people, while Dr. Aelita Ambrulevičiūtė will present Montvila and the phenomenon of Vilnius colonies. The conference is open to everyone, and participation is free.

Guided Tours of the Exhibition and the Old Town

The Lithuanian State Historical Archives, a partner in the event series, invites residents to free guided tours on September 16, 18, 23, and 25 of the exhibition “The Great Philanthropist Juozapas Montvila”, featuring the most comprehensive collection of documents and photographs ever assembled on Montvila’s noble family, life, and activities.

Exhibition curators Neringa Češkevičiūtė and Dr. Violeta Pansevič note that while few handwritten letters and requests by Montvila survive, his personality as a philanthropist can still be understood through other details:

“We were particularly struck by his minimalist business cards, which listed only his name in small print, without any titles or positions. Archival documents reflect the breadth of this remarkable individual’s achievements in construction, science, art, and especially charity. Montvila combined the cultural and ethical upbringing of Lithuanian nobility with the traits of a well-educated, thriving businessman, innovator, and executor. That nearly all of Vilnius attended his funeral—colleagues, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and protégés—shows that Montvila’s ideas were not only understood but widely embraced by society,” say the curators, who will lead the free guided tours. Pre-registration is required.

The event series concludes with guided tours on September 20 and 21, “Juozapas Montvila and Vilnius”, organized by the Signatories’ House, which will also include a visit to the first residential colony initiated by Montvila, known as the Aguonų Colony.

“Montvila’s colonies were not unique in the context of European urban development, but for Vilnius, they represented an innovative experience in modern housing design. The colonies were built according to pre-planned layouts and prepared housing projects, essentially introducing coherent neighborhood planning. They also contributed to urban expansion into suburban, less polluted areas and encouraged the development of public transportation,” explains Dr. Aelita Ambrulevičiūtė.

More information about the events and registration links can be found on the Lithuanian National Museum website: www.lnm.lt
. The series “Our Juozapas: J. Montvila – 175” is part of the European Heritage Days. Organizer: Lithuanian National Museum. Partner: Lithuanian State Historical Archives.