We invite you to the book exhibition “Ambassador of Art: The Creative Legacy of Paulius Galaunė,” displayed on the third floor of the library. This exhibition is dedicated to commemorating the 135th anniversary of the birth of Paulius Galaunė (1890–1988), the pioneer of professional museology in Lithuania.
Paulius Galaunė (1890–1988) was a renowned Lithuanian art historian, graphic artist, museum specialist, and cultural figure. Having studied in St. Petersburg and Paris, he became one of the founders of professional museology in Lithuania. Galaunė directed the M. K. Čiurlionis Gallery, later the Vytautas the Great Cultural Museum, and after World War II, the M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum. He also taught art history and museology at the University of Lithuania and Vilnius University. Galaunė authored significant works on Lithuanian folk art, ex libris, and the development of book art.
Adelė Nezabitauskaitė-Galaunienė (1895–1962) was a prominent Lithuanian opera singer (soprano), music teacher, and conductor. From 1920 to 1931, she was a soloist at the State Theatre, performing over 25 major roles, including Carmen, Dalila, and Violetta. Her voice and stage presence earned recognition not only in Lithuania but also abroad—she was awarded the French Order for her cultural contributions. Besides singing, she worked as a music teacher, conducted choirs, organized concerts, and wrote opera reviews.
In 1932, the Galaunė family home was built in Kaunas, on Vydūnas Alley, based on the design by architect Arnas Funkas. Today, this house serves as a memorial museum, where visitors can explore P. Galaunė’s collections of graphic art, ex libris, bibliophile books, and folk art. The museum also exhibits A. Galaunienė’s stage costumes and other personal belongings, reflecting their contribution to Lithuanian culture.