How to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Vilnius

First established in 1323, Lithuania’s vibrant capital is celebrating its 700th anniversary this year. Vilnius is famed for its Baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets and medieval Old Town. Not just a pretty face, Vilnius is also a lively city brimming with music, art and literature so, despite its significant birthday milestone, it remains young at heart.

To mark its special birthday, Vilnius is putting on a range of cultural events throughout the year, from music festivals to operas and art exhibitions. Here are some recommendations for the best events and exhibitions to help celebrate the Lithuanian capital’s very special birthday.

The As Young As Vilnius Festival takes place in Vingis Park (Shutterstock)

A musical extravaganza to celebrate some of Lithuania’s most admired artists, As Young As Vilnius will take place on 25 July at the leafy Vingis Park. That is also the feast day of St. Christopher, the patron saint of Vilnius so it’s the perfect date to come together and celebrate the city. Entry is free for all, and celebrations will kick off with a concert performed by the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre symphony orchestra.

The soirée will then move onto Lithuanian duets, showcasing some of the country’s best-known musicians, with combinations including Jessica Shy with Lemon Joy and Vaidas Baumila with Aleksandras Ivanauskas-Fara. Finally, the evening will culminate in performances by renowned British groups, Bastille and Clean Bandit, in honour of the Lithuanian capital’s 700th birthday.

Vilnius Performaning arts (Go Vilnius)

The first ever International Vilnius Biennial will take place from 23 July-6 August this year in celebration of its birthday. Throughout Vilnius, both its most historical parts and its more modern areas, will showcase unique works of art and performances by international artists as well as Lithuania’s most prominent cultural names.

The pieces will reflect the city’s values, from multiculturalism to innovation. They’re the perfect way to witness Vilnius’ blend of old and new. Excitingly, this will be the first of many future International Vilnius Biennials, as the event will now take place every two years so will become a permanent feature on Vilnius’ calendar of cultural events.

Opera.Connect (Go Vilnius)

Rumour has it that opera graced the stages of Vilnius long before it found its way to Paris. Since the city has a great love of the art, to celebrate Vilnius’ birthday, the opera will take place at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

This ‘opera on wheels’ showcase will share the art with all of Vilnius’ residents. The Baltic Opera Awards will also be held to celebrate Vilnius’ anniversary and will honour composers from all three Baltic States.

Gediminas Avenue, Vilnius (Shutterstock)

A city full of history, Vilnius has changed throughout the years. To celebrate its 700th anniversary, a new exhibition space has opened and will be open until 15 October 2023. It’s a pavilion showing what Vilnius was like 200 years ago, the focal point being a built model of Vilnius using special material from the city’s archives to show what it was like in the 19th century.

A unique way to see the city and consider how it’s changed and developed over the years, the pavilion is a thoughtful way to honour Vilnius for its 700th birthday.

Vilnius bookshop (Shutterstock)

No, the Vilnius Poker Exhibition isn’t a giant game of poker. Rather, it’s an ode to iconic Lithuanian novel, Vilnius Poker, written by Ricardas Gavelis during the collapse of the Soviet system. It looks at the city and its inhabitants at a time of transition.

Now the novel is coming to life to celebrate Vilnius’ 700th anniversary as a visual art exhibition at the MO Museum. With Vilnius as the protagonist, the exhibition features text, images and sound and takes visitors on a journey through the city to get to know the Lithuanian capital in more depth.

For more information on all Vilnius’ 700th anniversary events, go to 700vilnius.lt