The invincible quest for freedom of two countries: an exhibition on the history of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Czech Republic

On 2 June, a historical exhibition entitled “Lithuania and the Czech Republic: From the Resumption of Relations to Close Diplomatic Cooperation” was opened at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

The opening event was attended by Diana Nausėdienė, the First Lady of Lithuania, and Eva Pavlova, the First Lady of the Czech Republic.

“Today, we celebrate the rich history of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Czech Republic. Our peoples and countries are bound together by a very sincere and irresistible quest for freedom, and the foundation of statehood is constantly being strengthened,” said Mrs Nausėdienė. She spoke about the significance of the Czech Republic in Lithuanian cultural history, highlighting the emergence of the first Lithuanian newspaper, “Aušra”. She also welcomed the cultural programme currently taking place in the Czech Republic to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Lithuanian artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.

The First Lady of the Czech Republic, Eva Pavlova, noted that this exhibition beautifully exemplifies how true communion between countries is forged over time. “This exhibition binds our countries together not only through politics, but also through humanity, mutual respect, trust, and shared values,” said Ms Pavlova.

Aušrinė Žilinskienė, Director General of the National Library, reminded the audience that the Library will host more events as part of the National Library’s Statehood Centre’s “Year with the Czech Republic” series this year. The most important of these will be the autumn scientific conference “The Power of the Powerless, inspired by the essay of the same name by dissident Václav Havel.

The exhibition, based on archival documents, photographs, and facsimiles of contemporary press reports, reveals the key stages in the development of relations between Lithuania and Czechoslovakia, and subsequently between Lithuania and the Czech Republic. It explores Lithuania’s relationship with Václav Havel, the country’s response to the Velvet Revolution, and Czech solidarity initiatives following the events of 11 March 1990 and January 1991.

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

Further information about the exhibition can be found here.

From 30 May to 6 June, it will be on display in the atrium of the National Library (3rd floor).

From 7 June to 31 August, it will be on show in the Statehood Room (2nd floor, Room 237).