Vilnius invites everyone to mark the city’s 702nd anniversary in spectacular fashion with the return of the much-loved Vilnius Light Festival. From January 24 to 26, the capital’s central squares, courtyards, and iconic landmarks—including the façades of the Vilnius Teachers’ House, MO Museum, and Contemporary Art Centre—will be transformed by 18 light installations and 3 special features, creating a memorable dialogue between light and the city.

Artists from 10 countries—Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania—will present unique light stories that inspire new encounters and a renewed love for Vilnius, nestled in the bend of the Neris River.

“This year’s festival is brighter and more ambitious than ever—we’re showcasing world-class artists and fresh creative visions. The Light Festival is more than an art celebration; it’s an invitation to rediscover our city’s colors, reflect on its past and future, and connect through light—a universal language bridging art, technology, and society,” says Paulius Jurgutis, Director of the Vilnius Cultural Centre and festival organizer.

A Route from the Modern City to the Old Town

To fully immerse in this stunning fusion of art and light, visitors can follow a thoughtfully designed route that highlights Vilnius’s diverse architecture, history, and future visions. The route begins on the right bank of the Neris at Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius (Rinktinės St. 3) and leads to the Museum of Energy and Technology, housed in Vilnius’s first public power plant. From there, the journey continues across King Mindaugas Bridge, weaving through Old Town streets to the newly revitalized Vingriai Springs Square near the MO Museum.

Find Your Way with the Festival App

A detailed route map is available on the official festival website and in the mobile app (available via App Store and Google Play). The app helps visitors navigate the programme, learn about the installations, and plan their experience. Those who already have the app are encouraged to update it.

Every Installation Tells a Story

This year’s festival places special emphasis on creative diversity and unexpected artistic solutions. The programme features 21 light artworks by renowned artists from nine countries, spanning themes from identity and emotion to technology and sustainability.

Highlighted topics include interpretations of M.K. Čiurlionis’s artistic vision, reflections on identity, emotional responses to light, and environmental issues—particularly relevant as Vilnius holds the title of European Green Capital 2025. Installations such as “The Ice is Melting at the Pøules – Legacy of Melt” (No. 10), “Fragments of Reality” (No. 7), and “The Dreaming Sun” (No. 4) raise awareness about climate change and sustainability.

Installations – What and Where?

This year, the Vilnius Light Festival invites visitors to begin their journey on the right bank of the Neris River. At the Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center terrace (Rinktinės St. 3), visitors will discover “Chronotope” (No. 1), a work by German artist Ingo Wendt. Inspired by landscapes, architecture, and historic sites, this analog light and color installation mimicking the function of a clock invites audiences to experience the slow passage of time.

At the Museum of Energy and Technology (Rinktinės St. 2)—a site steeped in the history of science, engineering, and cultural heritage—visitors will be captivated by the harmoniously integrated kinetic light sculptures “Hand of the Galaxy” (No. 2) by renowned British artist and innovator Paul Friedlander. These dynamic works, inspired by energy flow and cosmic waves, offer an entrancing experience.

Crossing King Mindaugas Bridge, visitors will arrive at the square near the National Museum of Lithuania, where Hungarian artists Dániel Besnyő, Mátyás Kálmán, and Zoltán Czingáli present the kinetic installation “Heller-Forgó” (No. 3). This hyperboloid-shaped creation, inspired by scientists Heller and Forgó, prompts reflection on the limits of perception.

In Cathedral Square, the vibrant and whimsical installation “The Dreaming Sun” (No. 4) by Lithuanian artist Agnė Kišonaitė, a Guinness World Record holder, combines Art Deco style, national motifs of artist Kazys Šimonis, and waste art. Created from used tennis balls symbolizing sun rays, the installation reflects Lithuanian identity and sustainability. The Lithuanian tennis and padel community significantly contributed to its creation.

In Simonas Daukantas Square, in front of the Presidential Palace, visitors will be immersed in a sensory experience by “The Arc” (No. 5), a monumental light and sound installation by Arvydas Buinauskas, inspired by space travel, physics, and science fiction.

Nearby, in the inner courtyard of the Presidential Palace (S. Daukanto Sq. 3), visitors will encounter “27.500 Parpadeos” (No. 6) by Lolo & Sosaku, an Argentine-Japanese duo based in Barcelona collaborating since 2004. Combining light and mechanics, the work creates a new energy ecosystem, reflecting the continuous motion of energy and the connection between time, movement, and perception.

In the Alumnatas Courtyard (Universiteto St. 4), the kinetic installation “Fragments of Reality” (No. 7) by Italian artist Alessandro Lupi is crafted from mirrors. Influenced by light, wind, and the viewer’s angle, this electricity-free minimalist work subtly highlights the dynamic beauty of nature.

In the courtyard of the Vilnius Picture Gallery (Didžioji St. 4), the French art collective Collectif Scale will present “Hulahoop” (No. 8)—a hypnotic dance of light and music. Harmoniously choreographed geometric patterns offer a light-filled audiovisual experience.

In Savičiaus Street (Savičiaus St. 17), Lithuanian artist Petras Saulėnas will present “Čiurlionio šviesa” (No. 9), interpreting motifs and symbolism of light from M. K. Čiurlionis’s work. The installation radiates majesty and hope in the heart of Vilnius Old Town.

The façade of the Contemporary Art Centre (Vokiečių St. 2) will host the collaborative work “The Ice is Melting at the Pøules – Legacy of Melt” (No. 10) by Danish group Båll & Brand and Lithuanian composer/musician Jonas Jurkūnas (Robotic Folk project). Featuring glacial water from Antarctica, Austria, and Iceland, this analog projection and soundscape draws attention to the climate crisis and the tragedy of melting glaciers.

At Vytis Gymnasium, Lithuanian artist Paulius Šaparnis will present the interactive installation “Blocks” (No. 11), inviting visitors to control falling light figures—a nostalgic nod to one of the most iconic video games in history.

St. Catherine’s Church (Vilniaus St. 30), known for showcasing exceptional works, will offer a special visual and emotional experience this year: “Sfera” (No. 12), an interactive audiovisual installation by Spanish artists Xevi Bayona and Alex Posada. Shaped as a hemisphere and responsive to the environment, the piece merges light, technology, generative algorithms, and real-time music into a singular spectacle. The project is brought to Vilnius with support from the Caffeine café chain.

The monumental video artwork “408 Possession” (No. 13) will transform the façade of the Vilnius Teachers’ House (Vilniaus St. 39). This dynamic light and projection display by Lithuanian 3D studio Video Architects turns the building into a living canvas fusing past, present, and future through images, sound, and words.

In the Summer Terrace Courtyard (Vilniaus St. 39), Marko Bolković, a Croatian light and media artist and founder of Croatia’s first and largest light festival “Visualia,” presents “Point of View” (No. 14). Composed of 33 illuminated geometric objects, the work spells the words “Dark” and “Light” when viewed from specific angles—symbolizing perception, perspective, global crises, media influence, and the potential for change.

In the courtyard of the Lithuanian Theatre, Music, and Cinema Museum (Vilniaus St. 41), the audiovisual installation “Echo of Light” (No. 15) by Latvian artists Those Guys emphasizes sustainability and our environmental impact.

Based on NASA solar observation data, French artist Guillaume Marmin presents “Oh Lord” (No. 16) in the courtyard of A. Mickevičius Library (Trakų St. 10). The piece explores the role of the sun in our lives, highlighting its relevance in the environmental context.

In the courtyard of VILNIUS TECH (Pylimo St. 26), young Lithuanian artists Elektroplazma & Roma Salė present the holographic installation “Ghost of Space” (No. 17), which explores the boundaries between illusion and reality, and the impact of future technologies on human perception.

Finally, in Vingriai Springs Square (Pylimo St. 17) next to MO Museum, Finnish artist Jaakko Niemelä presents the kinetic light and shadow installation “Model of an Imaginary Structure” (No. 18), challenging how we perceive the world around us.

Additional Festival Highlights

• In the windows of the Vilnius Tourist Information Centre (Pilies St. 2), visitors can view “Creation of Worlds”, an interpretation of the upcoming VR film “Trails of Angels”, celebrating the 150th anniversary of M. K. Čiurlionis.

• In Konstantinas Sirvydas Square, festival-goers can experience the joyful “Drakis”, an artistic machine resembling a mythical dragon from the Lituanica Birds project, celebrating unity through music, light, and dance.

• As tradition dictates, a special light message will be projected from Gediminas Tower with Arvydas Buinauskas’s “Invitation”, signaling the citywide celebration of light.

  

  
  

Take a Break with Coffee – In Konstantinas Sirvydas Square

During the Vilnius Light Festival, visitors will be able to rest their feet and enjoy a hot drink and snacks in Konstantinas Sirvydas Square. From 5 PM to 10 PM, food trucks will be ready to welcome guests and offer a cozy break from the light-filled journey.

The 7th Vilnius Light Festival and Its Spectacular Light Art Programme January 24–26, from 5 PM to 10 PM

Let’s celebrate together and discover Vilnius in a new light!

Information provided by the organizers.