29 May 2025

"From the Velvet Revolution to the Strategic Partnership": an exhibition on bilateral diplomatic relations, which will be opened by the First Ladies of Lithuania and the Czech Republic

Do you know what lies behind the close diplomatic ties between Lithuania and the Czech Republic? On 2 June at 11:30 am in the atrium of the 3rd floor of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, the historical exhibition "Lithuania and the Czech Republic: From the Resumption of Relations to Close Diplomatic Cooperation" will open its doors. This exhibition will reveal and allow you to experience the inspiring history of the two countries' friendship. The opening event will be attended by the First Ladies of the Czech Republic and Lithuania, Eva Pavlova and Diana Nausėdienė respectively.

From the Velvet Revolution in 1989 to the present day, the exhibition tells the story of the bilateral relationship through significant moments, such as bold symbolic gestures, diplomatic recognition and strategic cooperation in the European and transatlantic space. Archival documents, photographs, and facsimiles of contemporary press reports bring the exhibition to life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the whirlwind of events and understand the key stages in the relationship between Lithuania and Czechoslovakia, and later between Lithuania and the Czech Republic.

Do you remember Lithuania's links with dissident Vaclav Havel? How did Lithuania react to the Velvet Revolution, and how did the Czechs show their solidarity following the events of 11 March and January? This exhibition reveals all this and more. It also documents the re-establishment and strengthening of diplomatic relations in 1991, including Prof. Vytautas Landsbergis' meeting with President Havel in Prague and the dynamics of bilateral visits. The exhibition also covers the historic NATO Summit in Prague in 2002, which paved the way for Lithuania to join the Alliance.

The exhibition also pays special attention to Havel's visit to Lithuania in 1996 and the honorary doctorate he received from Vilnius University, symbolising the shared values of the two nations as well as the facts. The library's collection of books by and about Vaclav Havel in various languages provides an even deeper insight into his legacy.

The exhibition was initiated by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Vilnius and curated by Associate Professor Dalia Bukelevičiūtė (PhD, Faculty of History, Vilnius University) and Associate Professor Luboš Švec (PhD, Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University). It is part of the "A Year with the Czech Republic" series of events organised by the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

Don't forget to mark the dates! The exhibition will be shown at:

30 May–6 June: National Library Atrium (3rd floor).
7 June–31 August: Statehood Space, National Library (2nd floor, Room 237).