Marking the 174th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s patriarch, doctor, national revival figure, and cultural guardian Jonas Basanavičius, the National Museum of Lithuania (LNM) traditionally invites visitors in November to a cycle of meaningful meetings, educational activities, creative workshops, and festive initiatives. The events will take place in two divisions of the National Museum of Lithuania closely connected to the life and work of Jonas Basanavičius – his birthplace in Ožkabaliai and the House of the Signatories in Vilnius, where the doctor spent more than twenty years of his life.

This year’s program invites participants to view Basanavičius as a person who shaped the identity of modern Lithuania, nurtured the cultural heritage of the nation, and remained a symbolic figure encouraging today’s society to create, explore, and preserve its culture. The events will bring together researchers, young creators, communities, and everyone who cherishes Lithuanian culture and its vitality.

Meeting with the Laureates of the National Jonas Basanavičius Award

On the afternoon of November 20, a meaningful gathering will be held at Jonas Basanavičius’ birthplace with prominent promoters of Lithuanian ethnic culture – Marija Liugienė, Libertas Klimka, Venantas Mačiekus, and Elvyda Lazauskaitė, who have been awarded the National Jonas Basanavičius Prize.

The theme of this meeting is the regional identity of Sūduva/Suvalkija and its roots. Through the guests’ stories, participants will discover this region’s sense of self, characteristic values and personal traits, and the connection between spiritual and material culture. Discussions will explore how regional identity is expressed through holidays, customs, everyday details, and what objects and symbols help identify the cultural code of this area.

The laureates will share not only academic insights but also personal experiences that reveal why regional identity remains fundamentally important today. The discussion will address how unique cultural features can be preserved in a rapidly changing world and how researchers, creators, and heritage specialists can contribute to this mission.

In the second part of the meeting, folk artist and straw garden tradition practitioner Marija Liugienė will lead practical straw garden workshops. Participants will learn about the symbolism of these delicate spatial constructions and try tying a garden element themselves – an opportunity to hear and touch a centuries-old living tradition.

Meeting with the Kaunas Jonas Basanavičius Gymnasium Community

On November 21, Basanavičius’ birthplace will welcome young creators – students and teachers from Kaunas Jonas Basanavičius Gymnasium – who will present their TŪM program project “Integration and Renewal of Technology and Art Subjects.”

Implemented in spring 2025, the project brought together students, teachers, and cultural partners: educators from Basanavičius’ birthplace, teachers from Kaunas King Mindaugas Vocational Training Centre, and artist Danielė Ragelienė. Together, they created a cycle of integrated lessons showing how modern technologies, art, and history can merge into a cohesive and creative learning process.

During the project, students searched for intriguing, lesser-known details of Basanavičius’ biography to help modern audiences rediscover this figure. In completing the creative task, students not only analyzed episodes from his life but also incorporated characters from the folktales collected by the patriarch – as if lending them a voice in today’s context.

Visitors will be able to explore the comics created by students about Basanavičius, currently exhibited at the gymnasium and destined to decorate its walls. This is visual proof that patriotic, cultural, and historical themes can become an appealing form of storytelling for young audiences today.

Tours and Educational Activities at Jonas Basanavičius’ Birthplace

On November 22, visitors are invited to two tours of the updated exhibitions at his birthplace – at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to explore the homestead that preserves the history of the Basanavičius family and the authentic artifacts stored in the museum. This LNM division offers a wide range of educational activities: “From the Phonograph to Digital,” “Meet Jonas from Ožkabaliai,” “From Ožkabaliai to Vilnius: The Life Path of Jonas Basanavičius,” the quiz “What Do I Know About Jonas Basanavičius?” and the online program “Through the Childhood Window.”

Walking Tour “Basanavičius’ Vilnius”

The House of the Signatories in Vilnius, where the Act of Independence was signed on February 16, 1918, invites visitors to a special tour dedicated to Basanavičius’ birthday. This time, participants will take a walk through the Vilnius where Basanavičius spent over two decades.

During the tour, early 20th-century Vilnius will come to life – multilingual, multicultural, and vibrantly active. Basanavičius himself will “guide” the route: the stories of his life connected with locations across the city will reveal the paths he walked, where he worked, and the personalities he interacted with. The narrative will be enriched by contemporary residents’ recollections – from everyday details to major historical events.

A Birthday Connecting Generations and Regions

The November program is designed not only to honor Jonas Basanavičius but also to reflect anew on his contribution to Lithuanian culture, statehood, and societal development. These events bring together different generations – from children and youth to experienced researchers – and unite both regional and Vilnius communities.

The National Museum of Lithuania invites families, teachers, students, researchers, cultural workers, and history enthusiasts to celebrate the birthday of the nation’s patriarch together this November.

Events at Jonas Basanavičius’ birthplace are free of charge; advance registration is required by phone at +370 342 69365 or email [email protected]

The Basanavičius’ Vilnius tours at the House of the Signatories are planned for November 22 and 23 at 12:00 and on November 22 at 14:00. Tickets can be purchased here. Group tours can be arranged by email [email protected] or phone +370 669 44148.