Mantas Petrauskas
Author
2026-05-11 07:34 • 3 min read
A summer tradition in the Lithuanian capital returns on May 13 as the MO Museum—a prominent private modern art institution in Vilnius—begins its seasonal “MO lauke” (MO Outdoors) program. The series of free events held on the museum’s terrace will feature poetry readings, concerts, and community workshops designed to bridge different cultural forms and generations.
The season opens on May 13 at 7:00 PM with a collaboration between the MO Museum and NARA, an independent Lithuanian journalism collective. The event, titled “Rebellion in Gen Z Music,” expands on themes from the museum’s current exhibition, “Gen Z: Everything at Once.”
Journalists from Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Estonia will discuss the musical landscape of Central and Eastern Europe. According to NARA representatives, contemporary music from Generation Z is more politically charged than it may appear, often questioning traditional hierarchies and responding to rising nationalism in Europe. The evening will include performances by the Vilnius-based punk rock act “Sipas” and an experimental hip-hop performance titled “Karaoke” by Paulius Janušonis, known as Pilaitė.
On May 22, the MO terrace will host the youth readings for “Poezijos pavasaris” (Poetry Spring), Lithuania’s long-standing international poetry festival. Now in its seventh season at this venue, the event focuses on emerging poets who have yet to publish their first books but are already active in the literary scene. Featured authors include Saulė Marija Baškytė, Ūla Kaulakytė, Irma Kungytė, Augustas Lapinskas, and Greta Leigaitė, among others.
Zigmas Pakštaitis, the organizer of the poetry series, notes that interest in poetry is growing among younger audiences in Vilnius. Four additional poetry events are planned for the summer, ranging from experimental works to critical reflections on modern social anxieties. Pakštaitis emphasizes that the goal is to provide a platform for uncensored expression regarding the complexities of the modern world.
For music enthusiasts, a major alternative concert is scheduled for June 13. The lineup features international sound artist J. “Mo’ong” Santoso Pribadi, the electronic-classical duo IXOJI, and the psychedelic experimental punk group “Motina.” These performers are linked by their use of noisy experimentation and subtle references to rave culture.
In addition to literary and musical performances, the program includes “Knit Happens” sessions. These outdoor knitting parties aim to combine traditional handicrafts with modern urban culture, inviting the community to gather for social crafting accompanied by music.
All events in the “MO lauke” series are free of charge. Key dates include:
May 13, 19:00 – Season Opening: NARA discussion and performances by “Sipas” and Paulius Janušonis.
May 22 – “Poetry Spring” youth readings.
June 13 – Alternative music concert featuring J. “Mo’ong” Santoso Pribadi, IXOJI, and “Motina.”
Further details regarding additional poetry evenings and knitting workshops are available on the MO Museum’s official website.
Are the events at MO Museum terrace free?
Yes, all events in the ‘MO lauke’ summer series are free of charge for the public.
What kind of music will be featured at the opening?
The opening on May 13 features punk rock by ‘Sipas’ and experimental hip-hop by Paulius Janušonis (Pilaitė).
What is Poetry Spring (Poezijos pavasaris)?
It is an annual international poetry festival in Lithuania. The MO Museum hosts the youth readings portion of this festival.
Zigmas PakštaitisPaulius JanušonisJ. Mo’ong Santoso Pribadi