NEWS

"Panevėžys has always been a city open to professional artists. We are pleased that renowned, world-class works can now represent our city and that the S. Eidrigevičius Arts Centre will open its doors here. I believe that this building, distinguished by its bright architectural solutions, will become a symbol of the city's cultural context and also the icon of the capital of Aukštaitija region. It was worth the wait. I have no doubt that this museum will be not only loved and widely visited by Lithuanian art lovers but it will also become an authority of professional, internationally recognized art centres, – said Rytis Račkauskas, Mayor of Panevėžys.

Preparations for the opening celebration are already underway. 103 volunteers from all over Lithuania are assisting the staff of the institution. Since Friday, May 31st, (11 A.M.) visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new museum space presenting Stasys Eidrigevičius works, titled "ICON-O-STASYS," and to personally meet the artist.

A four-storey building of 3 700 sq. m., reflecting aesthetics and modernism has multifunctional inner spaces with a possibility to transform them. 

The museum will feature an international exhibition hall, measuring 240 square meters, designed to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity for preserving artworks. This hall will house about 1200 pieces of Stasys Eidrigevičius works, including paintings, graphics, photographs, sculptures, ex-libris, and more. These works will be showcased in thematic exhibitions and updated regularly. The ground floor of the building will have a public space with an information centre, a cafe, a shop, and a ticket office. The second floor will accommodate educational spaces, workshops for various art disciplines, and conference rooms. The educational programmes are adapted for visitors of all ages. The administration of the "Stasys Museum" will be located on the third floor. The fourth floor will have an exposition hall, equipped with modern technology, where Stasys Eidrigevičius works will be displayed. The open-air exhibition on the roof of SEMC will offer a panoramic view of the city from a height of 30 meters and will host chamber music concerts. The architects behind the SEMC project—Aurimas Syrusas, Greta Šidlauskaitė, and Ričardas Bertašius—won the architectural competition. The world-class "Stasys Museum" will host professional art collections, educational programs, events, conferences, and other activities. The museum's unique exhibition space will include a library collection, and Panevėžys will become a venue for new biennials and symposia, creating new professional artworks. For more information and the museum's opening program, visit [www.stasysmuseum.com](http://www.stasysmuseum.com).