Vilnius Airport Becomes a Gateway to Čiurlionis’ World: Art and Music Inspire Travelers
As Lithuania celebrates the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, the Government has symbolically granted Vilnius Airport the artist’s name. In turn, the airport has opened its spaces not only to Čiurlionis’ visual works but also to his music.
From the very first steps at Vilnius Airport, arriving visitors are greeted by Čiurlionis’ visions of skies and clouds adorning the central arrivals doors, the departures terminal vestibule, the library’s relaxation area, boarding gate access zones, and other spaces. Full of light, symbols, and even fantastical creatures, the artist’s works are also featured on large digital gallery screens in the new departures terminal. The selected artworks symbolically reflect the passenger experience – a physical and internal flight among the clouds.
What Čiurlionis’ Visuals Say to Travelers
In the new departures terminal’s waiting and relaxation area, travelers can now view a reproduction of the painting The Creation of the World. In this cosmic vision, the artist portrays a world emerging in infinite space, with azure waters appearing from a dark blue backdrop. Painted more than a hundred years ago, the work astonishingly resembles images captured by modern telescopes.
On the second floor of the arrivals terminal, travelers are encouraged to pause at the painting Thoughts, where calm waters ripple beneath a small boat, and grand cloud ships sail above in the sky. In the artist’s vision, the clouds are like thoughts—gliding through the sky, carrying dreams into the distance.
Čiurlionis’ works also fill the airport’s VIP terminal. These exclusive spaces feature panoramic windows overlooking aircraft takeoffs and landings. Now, visitors can also admire a reproduction of The Message, where a powerful bird soars through mountains toward the sun in a golden sky. This piece invites viewers to rise above everyday life and carry a message of light—to the world, about Lithuania and Čiurlionis.
These artworks are a perfect match for the atmosphere of the airport—they not only beautify the terminals but also create a unique cultural context that reveals the genius and universal appeal of this Lithuanian artist.
More artistic installations in a variety of formats are planned to be introduced throughout Vilnius Airport later this summer.
Čiurlionis’ Music in the Terminals
According to airport staff, some passengers have already noticed and shared impressions about the effect of Čiurlionis’ music being played in both the arrivals and departures terminals. The composer’s music helps travelers relax before or after their flights.
The airport’s playlist includes some of Čiurlionis’ most renowned symphonic compositions, piano miniatures, and musical landscapes that reveal his universality and deep connection with nature, philosophy, and the cosmos. According to the project initiators, the goal is to ensure that traveling through the airport bearing Čiurlionis’ name is not only smooth and peaceful, but also emotionally enriching. This cultural initiative also strengthens the unique identity of Lithuania’s main international gateway.
Airports around the world apply similar practices—using national music to convey a country’s unique identity. The project at Vilnius Airport was implemented in cooperation with the Lithuanian Neighbouring Rights Association AGATA, which ensures that the public performance of musical works is legal and that performers and producers receive fair compensation. The special anniversary playlist will continue to play in the airport until the end of this year.
Departing and arriving passengers also regularly hear announcements encouraging them to explore the rich program of events dedicated to the Čiurlionis 150 year.
Last updated: 01-08-2025
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