Yesterday, next to the LNM Catellan’s House, a ceramic model of the museum’s building complex and surrounding landscape was unveiled.

Children with autism spectrum disorders created and sculpted a model of the National Museum of Lithuania. They worked together with professional ceramic artist Elena Aleksejeva, inclusive education expert Rūta Norkūnė, and LNM Community Projects Coordinator Agnė Putelytė.

The children were told about the museum’s history, its exhibits, and the different professions of the people who work there. Then, they began sculpting. The creative spirit inspired not only the children but also their mothers and fathers.

Taking into account the needs of the neurodiverse community, social stories were prepared for the workshops, and a calming corner was available during the sessions.

The clay museum model is part of the National Museum of Lithuania’s ongoing project “Without Thresholds”, which works with socially vulnerable groups.
“For several years now, the museum has been creating a space that feels welcoming to all communities. We aim for accessibility in the museum to become an everyday reality rather than an exception. And we are always delighted when communities, once they dare to step through the museum’s doors, share that it was truly worth it,” says A. Putelytė.

The clay model project is a long-term initiative. It will later include the remaining LNM branches — the Kazys Varnelis House-Museum and the Vilnius Defensive Wall Bastion. There are also plans to create audio guides featuring interesting stories about the museum’s divisions.

At the model’s unveiling, children and their parents had the chance to see how their individual works had come together into one collective creation. After the opening, the children visited the Gediminas Tower of the National Museum of Lithuania.

The clay museum model is now on permanent display next to the Catellan’s House, where it can be viewed by all passersby and museum visitors. Everyone is also invited to visit the Catellan’s House itself.