Exhibition Opening: “Lithuania and the Czech Republic – From the Renewal of Relations to Close Diplomatic Cooperation”

June 2, 2025, at 11:30 AMAtrium (3rd floor), Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania

The public is invited to the opening of the historical exhibition “Lithuania and the Czech Republic – From the Renewal of Relations to Close Diplomatic Cooperation.”

Special guests:

• Mrs. Eva Pavlova, wife of the President of the Czech Republic

• Mrs. Diana Nausėdienė, First Lady of Lithuania

• Associate Professor Dr. Dalia Bukelevičiūtė, one of the exhibition’s authors

The exhibition covers the period from the Velvet Revolution in 1989 to the present day, showcasing the key moments in the development of bilateral relations — from symbolic gestures and diplomatic recognition to strategic cooperation in the European and transatlantic arenas.

Based on archival documents, photographs, and press facsimiles, the exhibition highlights the stages of Lithuania’s relations with Czechoslovakia and, later, with the Czech Republic. It features:

• Connections between Lithuanians and Czech dissident Václav Havel

• Lithuania’s response to the Velvet Revolution

• Acts of Czech solidarity after March 11, 1990, and the January 1991 events

The exhibition also explores:

• The restoration of diplomatic ties in 1991 and their strengthening over time

• The meeting between Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis and President Havel in Prague

• The dynamics of bilateral visits

• The 2002 NATO Summit in Prague where Lithuania was invited to join the Alliance

• Expanding political and cultural cooperation

A significant section is dedicated to Václav Havel’s 1996 visit to Lithuania and the honorary doctorate he received from Vilnius University, symbolizing shared values between Lithuania and the Czech Republic. Visitors will also see various editions of Havel’s books held by the National Library.

Exhibition authors:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Bukelevičiūtė (Faculty of History, Vilnius University)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luboš Švec (Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University)

Organized by: Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius

Exhibition schedule:

• May 30 – June 6: Atrium, 3rd floor, Martynas Mažvydas National Library

• June 7 – August 31: Statehood Space, 2nd floor, Room 237

This exhibition is part of the “Year with the Czech Republic” cultural initiative organized by the National Library of Lithuania.