28 February 2025

Exhibition “Where Freedom Stood: Manifestations for Lithuania’s Independence on Mažvydas’ Steps”

On March 11, 1990, when the Supreme Council of Lithuania adopted the Act on the Restoration of an Independent State, the Soviet Union employed various tactics of intimidation, isolation, political and economic pressure, and engaged in subversive activities.

In response to this pressure, the people of Lithuania gathered in rallies to express their support for independence. The Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, located next to the then Supreme Council, became a focal point of these events. Its surroundings, and often its very steps, served as a gathering place for both supporters and opponents of independence.

During the spring of 1990 (March–May), five pro-independence rallies took place at this location, organized by various organizations and civic groups. On March 17, 1990, the Lithuanian Reform Movement Sąjūdis held a rally. On April 12, 1990, Lithuanian students expressed their support for independence. A week later, on April 19, deportees and the Lithuanian Freedom League organized another gathering. On April 26, 1990, the re-established Lithuanian National Youth Union “Young Lithuania” held a demonstration, followed by another independence-supporting event by the Lithuanian Freedom League on May 3, 1990.

Moments from these rallies were captured by photographers Andrius Petrulevičius, Kęstutis Svėrys, and Algimantas Žižiūnas.

The photos are preserved by the Lithuanian Central State Archive, the Lithuanian Photographers’ Association, and the Lithuanian National Museum.

Special thanks to Angonita Rupšytė for the exhibition concept.

The exhibition was curated by Tauras Vaikšnoras, Ilona Strumickienė, Gretė Binkauskaitė, Akvilė Paukštytė, and Algirdas Jakas.

The exhibition will be on display in the National Library’s Statehood Centre (2^nd floor) until April 7, 2025.

Briefly about the exhibition

Date

7 March – 7 April

Time

Monday-Friday 8.00-21.00
Saturday, Sunday 10.00-18.00

Place

Statehood Centre, 2nd floor

Attendance

free

More information

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