Editing Vilnius (section)

==Culture==
===Painting and sculpture===
[[File:Bernardinerkirche Vilnius 1.jpg|thumb|alt=A large wall painting|16th-century Gothic frescoes in the Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard]]
[[File:Tombstone for Leonas Sapiega01(js).jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|alt=Ornate brown marble sculpture|Tombstone of Lew Sapieha, {{circa}} 1633, in the Church of St. Michael]]
Vilnius was an artistic centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, attracting artists across Europe. The oldest surviving early [[Gothic art|Gothic]] artworks (14th century) are paintings dedicated to churches and [[liturgy]], such as frescoes in the crypts of [[Vilnius Cathedral]] and decorated [[hymnal|hymnbooks]]. Sixteenth-century wall paintings are in the city's [[Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard, Vilnius|Church of St. Francis and St. Bernard]] and the [[Church of Saint Nicholas, Vilnius|Church of Saint Nicholas]].<ref name="tapybavle">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos tapyba |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuvos-tapyba-117712 |website=vle.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |language=lt}}</ref> Gothic wooden polychrome sculptures decorate church altars. Some Gothic [[Seal (emblem)|seals]] from the 14th and 15th centuries still exist, including those of [[Kęstutis]], [[Vytautas the Great]] and [[Sigismund II Augustus]].<ref name="skulptura">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos skulptūra |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuvos-skulptura-118228 |website=vle.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |language=lt}}</ref>

[[Renaissance]] sculpture appeared during the early 16th century, primarily by the [[Italy|Italian]] sculptors Bernardinus Zanobi da Gianotti, Giovani Cini, and Giovanni Maria Padovano. During the Renaissance, portrait tombstones and medals were valued; examples are the marble tombs of [[Albertas Goštautas]] (1548) and [[Paweł Holszański]] (1555) by [[Bernardino de Gianotis]] in Vilnius Cathedral. Italian sculpture is characterized by its naturalistic treatment of forms and precise proportions. Local sculptors adopted the iconographic scheme of Renaissance tombs; their works, such the tomb of [[Lew Sapieha]] ({{circa|1633}}) in the [[Church of St. Michael, Vilnius|Church of St. Michael]], are stylized.<ref name="skulptura" /> During this period, local and [[Western Europe]]an painters created religious and mythological compositions and portraits with late Gothic and Baroque features; illustrated prayerbooks, illustrations, and miniatures have survived.<ref name="tapybavle" />

During the late-16th-century [[Baroque]], wall painting developed. Most palaces and churches were decorated in frescoes with bright colors, sophisticated angles, and drama. Secular painting{{snd}}representational, imaginative, epitaph portraits, scenes of battles and politically important events in a detailed, realistic style{{snd}}also spread at this time.<ref name="tapybavle" /> Baroque sculptures dominated [[sacred architecture]]: tombstones with sculpted portraits and decorative sculptures in wood, marble, and [[stucco]]. Italian sculptors such as G. P. Perti, G. M. Galli, and A. S. Capone, key figures in the development of sculpture in the 17th-century grand duchy, were commissioned by [[Lithuanian nobility]]. Their works exemplify the mature Baroque, with expressive forms and sensuality. Local sculptors emphasized Baroque decorative features, with less expression and emotion.<ref name="skulptura" />

[[File:Rusiecki-Litwinka z wierzbami.jpg|thumb|upright=0.65|alt=Painting of a young woman|''[[Lithuanian Girl with Palm Sunday Fronds]]'' by [[Kanuty Rusiecki]]]]
Lithuanian painting was influenced by the [[:lt:Vilniaus meno mokykla|Vilnius Art School]] during the late 18th and 19th centuries, which introduced [[Classicism|classical]] and [[Romanticism|romantic]] art. Painters had internships abroad, mainly in Italy. Allegorical, mythological compositions, landscapes, and portraits of representatives of various circles of society began, and historical themes prevailed. The era's best-known classical painters are [[Franciszek Smaglewicz]], [[Jan Rustem]], [[Józef Oleszkiew]], {{ill|Daniel Kondratowicz|pl}}, [[Józef Peszka]], and [[Wincenty Smokowski]]. Romantic artists were Jan Rustem, [[Jan Krzysztof Damel]], [[Wincenty Dmochowski]] and [[Kanuty Rusiecki]].<ref name="tapybavle" /> After the 1832 closure of Vilnius University, the Vilnius Art School continued to influence Lithuanian art.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus meno mokykla |url=http://alka.mch.mii.lt/menas/menomokykla/trumpa.lt.htm |website=alka.mch.mii.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=2 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202051320/http://alka.mch.mii.lt/menas/menomokykla/trumpa.lt.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[:lt:Lietuvių dailės draugija|Lithuanian Art Society]] was established in 1907 by [[Petras Rimša]], [[Antanas Žmuidzinavičius]] and [[Antanas Jaroševičius]], and the Vilnius Art Society was founded the following year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvių dailės draugija |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuviu-dailes-draugija-15318 |website=vle.lt |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus dailės draugija |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Vilniaus-dailes-draugija-107778 |website=vle.lt |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> Artists included Jonas Šileika, {{ill|Justinas Vienožinskis|lt|Justinas Vienožinskis}}, {{ill|Jonas Mackevičius (1872)|lt|Jonas Mackevičius}}, [[Vytautas Kairiūkštis]], and [[Vytautas Pranas Bičiūnas]], who employed Western European [[Symbolism (arts)|symbolism]], [[Realism (arts)|realism]], [[Art Nouveau]] and [[modernism]].<ref name="tapybavle" /> [[Socialist realism]] was introduced after [[World War II]], with [[propaganda]] paintings, historical and household works, [[still life|still lives]], landscapes, portraits, and sculptures.<ref name="tapybavle" /><ref name="skulptura" /> Late 20th- and 21st-century painters are Žygimantas Augustinas, Eglė Ridikaitė, Eglė Gineitytė, Patricija Jurkšaitytė, Jurga Barilaitė, and Solomonas Teitelbaumas.<ref name="tapybavle" />

The [[Užupis]] district near the Old Town, a run-down district during the Soviet era, hosts bohemian artists who operate a number of art galleries and workshops.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/lithuania/articles/inside-uzupis-lithuania-free-thinking-republic/ |first=Joanna |last=Griffin |date=8 August 2016 |work=The Telegraph |department=Travel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114155921/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/lithuania/articles/inside-uzupis-lithuania-free-thinking-republic/ |url-status=live |archive-date=14 January 2018 |title=Just Back: Inside Uzupis, Lithuania's free-thinking republic}}</ref> In its main square, a statue of an angel blowing a trumpet symbolises artistic freedom.

The world's first bronze memorial to [[Frank Zappa]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/lithuania/vilnius/sights/cemeteries-memorials-tombs/frank-zappa-memorial |title=Frank Zappa Memorial |website=lonely planet}}</ref> was installed in the [[Naujamiestis, Vilnius|Naujamiestis]] district in 1995. In 2015, the Vilnius Talking Statues project was introduced. Eighteen statues around the city interact by smartphone with visitors in several languages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilnius Talking Statues |url=http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/en/what-to-see/routes/vilnius-talking-statues/ |website=vilnius-tourism.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |date=2015-06-19}}</ref>

===Museums and galleries===
{{See also|List of museums in Lithuania}}
[[File:Vilnius - Lietuvos nacionalinis muziejus.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Long, two-story building with a red roof|The National Museum of Lithuania is in the New Arsenal of the Vilnius Castle Complex.]]
Vilnius has a variety of museums.<ref name="GoVilniusMuseums">{{cite web |title=Museums |url=https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/museums |website=GoVilnius.lt |access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref> The [[National Museum of Lithuania]], in the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Gediminas' Tower and the arsenals of the Vilnius Castle Complex, has exhibits about the history of Lithuania and Lithuanian culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania |url=https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/the-palace-of-the-grand-dukes-of-lithuania |website=GoVilnius.lt |access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The New Arsenal |url=https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/new-arsenal |website=GoVilnius.lt |access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Old Arsenal |url=https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/the-old-arsenal |website=GoVilnius.lt |access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref> The Museum of Applied Arts and Design displays Lithuanian folk and religious art, objects from the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and 18th- to 20th-century clothing.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Museum of Applied Arts and Design |url=https://www.govilnius.lt/visit-vilnius/places/the-museum-of-applied-arts-and-design |website=GoVilnius.lt |access-date=29 April 2023}}</ref> Other museums are the Vilnius Museum, the House of Histories, Church Heritage Museum, [[Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights]], Fight for Freedom Museum in the [[Vilnius TV Tower]], M. K. Čiurlionis House, Samuel Bak Museum, Centre for Civil Education, Toy Museum, Vilnil (Museum of Illusions), Energy and Technology Museum, House of Signatories, Tolerance Center, Railway Museum, Money Museum, Kazys Varnelis House-Museum, Liubavas Manor Watermill-Museum, Museum of Vladislovas Sirokomlė, Amber Museum-Gallery, and the Paneriai Memorial visitor information centre.<ref name="GoVilniusMuseums"/><ref>{{cite web |title=M.K. Čiurlionio namai |url=https://ciurlioniokelias.lt/partneriai/vilniaus-miesto-savivaldybe/m-k-ciurlionio-namai/ |website=Ciurlioniokelias.lt |access-date=29 April 2023 |language=lt}}</ref>

[[File:Art Museum of Lithuania.jpg|thumb|alt=Exterior of a three-story building|The Lithuanian National Museum of Art, in the former [[Chodkiewicz Palace]]]]
Vilnius has a number of art galleries. Lithuania's largest art collection is housed in the [[Lithuanian National Museum of Art]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Collections |url=https://www.ldm.lt/en/collections/ |website=ldm.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110162420/https://www.ldm.lt/en/collections/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Vilnius Picture Gallery, in the city's Old Town, houses a collection of Lithuanian art from the 16th to the early 20th centuries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Permanent exhibitions |url=https://www.ldm.lt/en/vpg/expositions/ |website=ldm.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110162419/https://www.ldm.lt/en/vpg/expositions/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> Across the Neris, the National Art Gallery has a number of exhibitions of 20th-century Lithuanian art.<ref>{{cite web |title=Collection |url=http://www.ndg.lt/collection.aspx |website=ndg.lt |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> The [[Contemporary Art Centre (Vilnius)|Contemporary Art Centre]], the largest contemporary-art venue in the Baltic States, has an exhibition space of {{convert|2400|m2|sqft}}. The centre develops international and Lithuanian exhibitions and presents a range of public programs which include lectures, seminars, performances, film and video screenings, and live music.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the CAC |url=http://www.cac.lt/en/general |website=cac.lt |access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> On 10 November 2007, the [[Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Center]] was opened by avant-garde filmmaker [[Jonas Mekas]]; its premiere exhibition was ''The Avant-Garde: From [[Futurism]] to [[Fluxus]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=About us |url=http://mekas.lt/about/ |website=mekas.lt |access-date=10 November 2019 |date=25 July 2014}}</ref> In 2018, the [[MO Museum]] opened as an initiative of Lithuanian scientists and philanthropists Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus. Its collection of 5,000 modern pieces includes major Lithuanian artworks from the 1950s to the present.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mo.lt/en/about-mo/ |title=About MO |website=mo.lt |access-date=23 April 2019}}</ref>

===Literature===
{{see also|Lithuanian literature}}
[[File:Zawadzki bookstore in Vilnius.jpg|thumb|alt=Old photo of a store exterior|The Zawadzki bookstore, on present-day [[Pilies Street]]. Its signs are in Russian, Polish, Lithuanian, French, and German.]]
Around 1520, [[Francysk Skaryna]] (author of the first Ruthenian [[Bible]]) established [[eastern Europe]]'s first [[printing house]] in Vilnius. Skaryna prepared and published the ''Little Traveller's Book'' (Ruthenian: ''Малая подорожная книжка''), the first printed book of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, in 1522. Three years later, he printed the ''Acts and Epistles of the Apostles'' (the ''Apostle'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Biography of Skaryna |url=http://web1.mab.lt/skorina/en/skaryna/biography/ |website=Web1.mab.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref>

The [[:lt:Vilniaus akademijos spaustuvė|Vilnius Academy Press]] was established in 1575 by Lithuanian nobleman [[Mikołaj Krzysztof "the Orphan" Radziwiłł]] as the [[Vilnius Academy]] printing house, delegating its management to the [[Jesuits]]. It published its first book, [[Piotr Skarga]]'s ''Pro Sacratissima Eucharistia contra haeresim Zwinglianam'', in May 1576. The press was funded by the Lithuanian nobility and the church.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilnius University Press – History |url=https://www.vu.lt/leidyba/en/about-us2/history |website=vu.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> In 1805, [[Józef Zawadzki (publisher)|Józef Zawadzki]] bought the press and founded the [[Józef Zawadzki printing shop]]. Operating continuously until 1939, it published books in a number of languages;<ref>{{cite web |title=Zawadzkio spaustuvė |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Zawadzkio-spaustuve-110052 |website=vle.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> [[Adam Mickiewicz]]'s first poetry book was published in 1822.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adomas Mickevičius |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Adomas-Mickevicius-18711 |website=vle.lt |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>

[[Mikalojus Daukša]] translated and published a [[catechism]] by Spanish Jesuit theologian [[Jacobo Ledesma]] in 1595, the first printed Lithuanian-language book in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. He also translated and published [[Jakub Wujek]]'s ''[[Postilla]] Catholica'' in 1599.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lebedys |first=Jurgis |title=Mikalojus Daukša |url=http://postilla.mch.mii.lt/Dauksa/apiedauksa.htm |website=postilla.mch.mii.lt |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=24 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070424151843/http://postilla.mch.mii.lt/Dauksa/apiedauksa.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Gate of the Greek Catholic Church of Holy Trinity in Vilnius in 2013.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Exterior of a large church|Gate of the [[Basilian Monastery in Vilnius|Basilian Monastery]], where Adam Mickiewicz was imprisoned for fighting [[Russian Partition|Russian rule]]]]
Many writers were born in Vilnius, lived there, or are [[alumni]] of Vilnius University; they include [[Konstantinas Sirvydas]], [[Maciej Kazimierz Sarbiewski]], [[Antoni Gorecki]], [[Józef Ignacy Kraszewski]], [[Antoni Edward Odyniec]], [[Michał Józef Römer]], Adam Mickiewicz, [[Władysław Syrokomla]], [[Józef Mackiewicz]], [[Romain Gary]], [[Juliusz Słowacki]], [[Simonas Daukantas]], [[Mykolas Biržiška]], [[Petras Cvirka]], [[Kazys Bradūnas]], [[Nobel Prize|Nobel laureate]] [[Czesław Miłosz]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilnius University Hinc Itur Ad Astra |date=20 October 2015 |page=25 |url=https://www.vu.lt/site_files/InfS/Leidiniai/VU_REP_EN_2015-10-20.pdf |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> [[Vilnius Academy of Arts]] alumnae have also added to the internationally acclaimed contemporary writers such as [[Jurga Ivanauskaitė]], [[Undinė Radzevičiūtė]] and [[Kristina Sabaliauskaitė]]. The first consideration of the [[Statutes of Lithuania|First Statute of Lithuania]] took place in 1522 at the [[Seimas of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania]]. The code was drafted under the guidance of [[Grand Chancellor of Lithuania]] Albertas Goštautas in accordance with [[customary law]], legislation, and [[canon law|canon]] and [[Roman law]]. It is Europe's first [[Codification (law)|codification]] of [[secular law]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Statutas |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuvos-Statutas-16032 |website=vle.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> Albertas Goštautas supported the use of Lithuanian in literature and protected Lithuanian authors (including [[Abraomas Kulvietis]] and [[Michael the Lithuanian]]) who criticised the use of [[Old Church Slavonic]], and called refugees [[Old Believers]] in ''[[De moribus tartarorum, lituanorum et moscorum]]''.<ref name="Dubonis2002">{{cite web |last=Dubonis |first=Artūras |title=Lietuvių kalba: poreikis ir vartojimo mastai (XV a. antra pusė – XVI a. pirma pusė) |url=http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/dubonis2002.htm |website=viduramziu.istorija.net |language=lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171411/http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/dubonis2002.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Vileishis Palace1.jpg|thumb|alt=Exterior of a square, white building|The Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore in [[Vileišis Palace]]]]
Since the 16th century, the [[Lithuanian Metrica]] has been kept at the [[Royal Palace of Lithuania|Lower Castle]] and safeguarded by the State [[Chancellor]]. Due to the deterioration of the books, Grand Chancellor Lew Sapieha ordered the Metrica recopied in 1594; the recopying continued until 1607. The recopied books were inventoried, rechecked, and transferred to a separate building in Vilnius; the older books remained in the Castle of Vilnius. According to 1983 data, 665 books remain on [[microfilm]] at the Lithuanian State Historical Archives in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos Metrika |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuvos-Metrika-15851 |website=vle.lt |access-date=30 October 2019}}</ref>

Over 200 tiles and plaques commemorating writers who lived and worked in Vilnius and foreign authors connected to Vilnius and Lithuania adorn walls on [[Literatų Street]] ({{langx|lt|link=no|Literatų gatvė}}) in the Old Town, outlining the history of Lithuanian literature.<ref>{{cite web |title=Literatų Gatvė (Literature Street) |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/literature-street |website=atlasobscura.com |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref> The [[Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore]] and the [[Lithuanian Writers' Union]] are in the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=About |url=http://www.llti.lt/en/about/ |website=llti.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian Writers Union |url=https://www.rasytojai.lt/en/homepage/ |website=rasytojai.lt |access-date=29 October 2019}}</ref> The [[Vilnius book fair]] is held annually at [[LITEXPO]], the Baltics' largest exhibition centre.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilnius Book Fair |url=https://www.vilniausknygumuge.lt/en/ |website=vilniausknygumuge.lt |access-date=2 November 2019 |archive-date=2 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102152458/https://www.vilniausknygumuge.lt/en/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Cinema===
{{see also|Cinema of Lithuania}}
[[File:Billboard of the first cinema screening in Vilnius (1897).jpg|thumb|alt=Exterior of the Botanical Garden gate|Billboard above the Botanical Garden main gate of the first film screening in Vilnius (1896)]]
The first public [[film session]] in Vilnius was held in the Botanical Garden (now the [[Bernardinai Garden]]) in July 1896. It was held after 1895 film sessions by [[Auguste and Louis Lumière]] in Paris. The session in Vilnius showed the Lumière brothers' [[documentary]] films. The first films shown were educational, filmed outside Vilnius (in India and Africa), and introduced other cultures. [[Georges Méliès]]' film, ''[[A Trip to the Moon]]'', was first shown at the [[Lukiškės Square]] movie theater in 1902; it was the first [[feature film]] shown in Vilnius.<ref name="cinemaLRT">{{cite web |title=Vilniaus kino istorija: pirmasis seansas tik pusmečiu atsiliko nuo pirmojo istorijoje |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/tavo-lrt/15/120792/vilniaus-kino-istorija-pirmasis-seansas-tik-pusmeciu-atsiliko-nuo-pirmojo-istorijoje |website=[[Lrt.lt]] |access-date=22 September 2019 |language=lt |date=27 November 2015}}</ref>

The first [[movie theater]] in Vilnius, Iliuzija (Illusion), opened in 1905 at 60 [[Didžioji Street]].<ref name="cinemaMIV">{{cite web |title=Vilniaus kino teatrai 1905–1985 metais |url=https://madeinvilnius.lt/vilniaus-istorija/senasis-vilnius/vilniaus-kino-teatrai-1905-1985-metais/ |website=MadeinVilnius.lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |language=lt-LT |date=1 May 2017}}</ref> The first movie theaters, similar to theatres, had [[Box (theatre)|boxes]] with more-expensive seats. Because early films were silent, showings were accompanied by orchestral performances. Cinema screenings were sometimes combined with theatrical performances and illusion shows.<ref name="cinemaLRT" />

[[File:LTMKM 2023 by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg|thumb|alt=A large, white, two-story building|The [[Lithuanian Theater, Music and Cinema Museum]], in the 17th-century [[Minor Radvilos Palace]]]]
On 4 June 1924, the Vilnius [[magistrate]] established a 1,200-seat movie theater in the city hall ({{langx|pl|Miejski kinematograf}}, City Movie Theater) to provide cultural education for students and adults. In 1926, 502,261 tickets were sold; 24,242 tickets were given to boarding children, 778 to tourists, and 8,385 to soldiers. In 1939, Lithuanian authorities renamed it Milda. The last city government gave it to the People's Commissariat of Education, which established the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, the following year.<ref name="cinemaMIV" />

In 1965, Lithuania's most modern movie theater ([[:lt:Lietuva (kino teatras)|Lietuva]]) opened in Vilnius; it had over 1.84&nbsp;million visitors per year, and an annual profit of over 1&nbsp;million&nbsp;[[Soviet rouble|rouble]]s. After reconstruction, it had one of Europe's largest screens: {{convert|200|m2|sqft}}.<ref name="cinemaMIV" /> Closed in 2002, it was demolished in 2017 and replaced by MO Museum.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniuje neliko istorinio kino teatro "Lietuva" |url=https://www.15min.lt/verslas/naujiena/kvadratinis-metras/nekilnojamasis-turtas/vilniuje-neliko-istorinio-kino-teatro-lietuva-973-767800 |website=15min.lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |language=lt}}</ref> Kino Pavasaris is the city's largest film festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Festival |url=https://kinopavasaris.lt/en/about-festival |website=kinopavasaris.lt |access-date=14 October 2019 |archive-date=15 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015183847/https://kinopavasaris.lt/en/about-festival |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Lithuanian Film Centre ({{langx|lt|Lietuvos kino centras}}), tasked with promoting the development and competitiveness of the Lithuanian film industry, is in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=About us |url=http://www.lkc.lt/en/lithuanian-film-center/ |website=lkc.lt |access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref>

===Music===
{{See also|Music of Lithuania}}
[[File:Libretto of the first opera staged in Vilnius (1636).jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.66|alt=Title page of a libretto|[[Libretto]] of the first opera staged in Vilnius (1636), before the first operas in [[Paris]] (1645) and [[London]] (1656)<ref>{{cite web |title=Operą Vilnius išvydo pirmiau negu Londonas ir Paryžius |url=http://v1.valdovurumai.lt/Naujienos/Opera_ldk_rumuose.htm |website=valdovurumai.lt |date=12 April 2011 |access-date=26 April 2020}}</ref>]]
Musicians performed at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania as early as the 14th century, since Grand Duke Gediminas' daughter [[Aldona of Lithuania]] was known to be enthusiastic about music. Aldona brought court musicians and singers to [[Kraków]] after marrying King [[Casimir III the Great]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lietuvos muzika |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-muzika/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021}}</ref> During the 16th century, composers such as [[Wacław of Szamotuły]], [[Jan Brant]], [[Heinrich Finck]], [[Cyprian Bazylik]], [[Alessandro Pesenti]], [[Luca Marenzio]], and [[Michelagnolo Galilei]] lived in Vilnius; the city was also home to [[virtuoso]] [[lute|lutist]] [[Bálint Bakfark]]. One of the first local musicians in written sources was Steponas Vilnietis (Stephanus de Vylna). The first textbook of Lithuanian music, ''The Art and Practice of Music'' ({{langx|la|Ars et praxis musica}}), was published in Vilnius by [[Žygimantas Liauksminas]] in 1667.<ref>{{cite web |title=Žygimantas Liauksminas |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Zygimantas-Liauksminas-15041 |website=vle.lt |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

Italian artists produced Lithuania's first [[opera]] on 4 September 1636 at the Palace of the Grand Dukes, commissioned by Grand Duke [[Władysław IV Vasa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Operos dieną Valdovų rūmuose vainikuos pasaulinis šedevras – K. Monteverdžio opera "Orfėjas" |url=http://valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo |website=valdovurumai.lt |access-date=7 September 2015 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308060834/https://www.valdovurumai.lt/aktualijos/claudio-monteverdi-opera-orfejas-lorfeo |url-status=dead}}</ref> Operas are produced at the [[Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre]] and by the [[Vilnius City Opera]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Repertoire |url=https://www.opera.lt/en/whatss-on |website=opera.lt |access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref>

The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, the country's largest and oldest state-owned concert organization, produces live concerts and tours in Lithuania and abroad.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filharmonija.lt/en/about-us/history.html |title=History – Largest Concert Institution in Lithuania |website=Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society |access-date=3 February 2017}}</ref> The [[Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra]], founded by [[Gintaras Rinkevičius]], performs in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=About us |url=http://www.lvso.lt/en/orchestra |website=lvso.lt |access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Dainu svente 2009-07-06.jpg|thumb|alt=An outdoor stage and a crowd|The Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival in Vingis Park]]
[[Choral music]] is popular in Lithuania, and Vilnius has three choir laureates (Brevis, Jauna Muzika, and the Chamber Choir of the Conservatoire) at the [[European Grand Prix for Choral Singing]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Murauskaitė |first=Rasa |title=Trys meilės chorui dešimtmečiai. Pokalbis su Vaclovu Augustinu |url=https://www.15min.lt/kultura/naujiena/muzika/trys-meiles-chorui-desimtmeciai-pokalbis-su-vaclovu-augustinu-284-1207238 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=31 October 2019 |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival]] in Vilnius has been presented every four years since 1990 for about 30,000 singers and folk dancers in [[Vingis Park]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian Song Festival |url=http://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/ |website=DainuSvente.lt |access-date=23 January 2018 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611213024/https://www.dainusvente.lt/en/history/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2008, the festival and its [[Latvian Song and Dance Festival|Latvian]] and [[Estonian Song Festival|Estonian]] counterparts were designated as a [[UNESCO]] [[Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity|Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity |date=2005 |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |page=50 |url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0014/001473/147344e.pdf}}</ref>

The [[jazz]] scene is active in Vilnius; in 1970–71, the Ganelin/Tarasov/Chekasin trio founded the Vilnius Jazz School.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jazz in Lithuania |url=http://www.vilniusjazz.lt/press/99jil.php |website=Vilniusjazz.lt |access-date=25 March 2018}}</ref> The [[Vilnius Jazz Festival]] is held annually.

[[File:Andrius Mamontovas by Augustas Didzgalvis.jpg|thumb|alt=A middle-aged man in a leather jacket and jeans|[[Andrius Mamontovas]], leader of [[Foje]] and founder of the annual ''Gatvės muzikos diena'' (Street Music Day)]]
The annual ''Gatvės muzikos diena'' (Street Music Day) gathers musicians on the city's streets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Street Music Day |url=http://gmd.lt/en |website=gmd.lt |access-date=10 March 2018 |archive-date=11 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311021339/http://gmd.lt/en |url-status=dead}}</ref> Vilnius is the birthplace of singers [[Mariana Korvelytė – Moravskienė]], [[Paulina Rivoli]], [[Danielius Dolskis]], [[Vytautas Kernagis]], [[Algirdas Kaušpėdas]], [[Andrius Mamontovas]], [[Nomeda Kazlaus]], and [[Asmik Grigorian]]); composers [[César Cui]], [[Felix Yaniewicz]], [[Maximilian Steinberg]], [[Vytautas Miškinis]], and [[Onutė Narbutaitė]]); conductor [[Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla]]), and musicians [[Antoni Radziwiłł]], [[Jascha Heifetz]], [[Clara Rockmore]], and [[Romas Lileikis]]).

It was the hometown of 18th-century composers [[Michał Kazimierz Ogiński]], [[Johann David Holland]] (colleague of [[Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach|C. Bach]]), [[Maciej Radziwiłł]], and [[Michał Kleofas Ogiński]]. Nineteenth-century Vilnius was known for singer [[Kristina Gerhardi Frank]], a close friend of [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]] and [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn]] (who starred in the [[premiere]] of Haydn's ''[[The Creation (Haydn)|Creation]]''), mid-19th century guitar virtuoso [[Marek Konrad Sokołowski]] and composer [[Stanisław Moniuszko]]. The wealthiest woman in Vilnius during the early 19th century was singer [[Maria de Neri]]. In the early 20th century, Vilnius was the hometown of [[Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis]], [[Mikas Petrauskas]], and [[Juozas Tallat-Kelpša]]. Late-20th- and early 21st-century musicians include [[Vyacheslav Ganelin]], [[Petras Vyšniauskas]], [[Petras Geniušas]], [[Mūza Rubackytė]], [[Alanas Chošnau]], and [[Marijonas Mikutavičius]].

The [[Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre]], headquartered on [[Gediminas Avenue]], is also located at the [[Slushko Palace]] in [[Antakalnis]]. Singers who have lectured at the academy include [[tenor]]s [[Kipras Petrauskas]] and [[Virgilijus Noreika]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dainavimo katedra |url=https://lmta.lt/lt/fakultetas/muzikos-fakultetas/dainavimo-katedra/ |website=lmta.lt |access-date=31 October 2019 |language=lt-LT}}</ref>

===Theatre===
[[File:Page in Latin of theatre program dedicated to Algirdas, 1687.jpg|thumb|left|150px|1687 [[Latin]] page of a theatre program dedicated to [[Algirdas]], which was performed in Vilnius]]
The Lithuanian Grand Dukes' entertainment at the castle, rulers' visits abroad and guests' meetings had theatrical elements. During [[Sigismund III Vasa]]'s residence in Vilnius in the early 17th century, English actors performed at the palace. Władysław IV Vasa established a professional opera theatre in the Lower Castle in 1635, where ''[[dramma per musica|drammas per musica]]'' were performed by the Italian Virgilio Puccitelli. The performances had basic, luxurious scenography.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seniausių laikų Lietuvos teatras |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/seniausiu-laiku-Lietuvos-teatras-118076 |website=vle.lt |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>

A Jesuit School Theatre existed between the 16th and 18th centuries, with its first performance (''Hercules'' by S. Tucci) in 1570 in Vilnius. Baroque aesthetics prevailed at the theatre, which also had [[Middle Ages|medieval]] retrospectives, Renaissance elements, [[Rococo]] motifs, and an educational function. Performances were in Latin, but elements of the Lithuanian language were included and some of the works had Lithuanian themes ([[Play (theatre)|plays]] dedicated to [[Algirdas]], Mindaugas, Vytautas and other Lithuanian rulers).<ref>{{cite web |title=Mokyklinis teatras Lietuvos teritorijoje |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/mokyklinis-teatras-Lietuvos-teritorijoje-118061 |website=vle.lt |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref><ref name="theatrevle">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos teatras |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Lietuvos-teatras-124143 |website=vle.lt |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>

[[Wojciech Bogusławski]] established Vilnius City Theatre, the city's first public theatre, in 1785. The theatre, initially in the Oskierka Palace, moved to the [[Radziwiłł Palace, Vilnius|Radziwiłł Palace]] and [[Town Hall, Vilnius|Vilnius Town Hall]]. Plays were performed in Polish until 1845, from 1845 to 1864 in Polish and Russian, and after 1864 in Russian. After the Lithuanian-language ban was lifted, plays were also performed in Lithuanian. The theatre closed in 1914.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus miesto teatras |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Vilniaus-miesto-teatras-117908 |website=vle.lt |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Lithuanian National Drama Theatre in Vilnius, Lithuania in 2023.jpg|thumb|alt=Exterior of a large, white building|The [[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]]]]
During the interwar period (when the city was part of Poland), Vilnius was known for the modern, experimental Reduta troupe and institute led by [[Juliusz Osterwa]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Juliusz Osterwa |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/Juliusz-Osterwa-656 |website=vle.lt |access-date=24 December 2019}}</ref> The Vilnius Lithuanian Stage Amateur Company ({{langx|lt|link=no|Vilniaus lietuvių scenos mėgėjų kuopa}}), established in 1930 and renamed Vilnius's Lithuanian Theatre, performed in the region. In 1945, it was merged with the [[Lithuanian National Drama Theatre]].<ref name="theatrevle" />

After the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, theatre became a means of disseminating Soviet ideology. Performances incorporated socialist realism, and a number of [[Russian Revolution|revolutionary]] plays by Russian authors were staged. A Repertory Commission was established under the Ministry of Culture to direct theatres, control repertoire, and permit (or ban) performances.<ref name="theatrevle" />

Theatre changed after Lithuanian independence.<ref name="theatrevle" /> The independent Vilnius City Opera blends classical and contemporary art. The Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, State Small Theatre of Vilnius, State Youth Theatre and a number of private theatre companies (including OKT/Vilnius City Theatre and the Anželika Cholina Dance Theatre) present classical, modern and Lithuanian plays directed by noted Lithuanian and foreign directors. There is also a Russian-language [[Old Theatre of Vilnius]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Events |url=http://www.teatrai.lt/events |website=teatrai.lt |access-date=17 November 2019}}</ref>

===Photography===
[[File:Coronal mass ejection, captured in 1867 with Vilnius photoheliograph.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66|alt=Very old photo of a solar flare|A [[coronal mass ejection]], captured in 1867 with Vilnius' [[photoheliograph]] (the second such device in the world)]]
According to the memoirs of architect Bolesław Podczaszyński, published in January 1853 in the {{Lang|pl|[[Gazeta Warszawska]]}}, Lithuanian [[photography]] began with the [[Daguerreotype|daguerreotyping]] in the summer of 1839 of the reconstructed [[Verkiai Palace]] by François Marcillac (governor of the children of Duke [[Ludwig zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg|Ludwig Wittgenstein]]).<ref name="photovle">{{cite web |title=Lietuvos meninė fotografija |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/lietuvos-menine-fotografija/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> The country's unfavorable political situation hampered the development of new technology and cultural activities. The first known daguerreotype-portrait [[atelier]] in Vilnius was opened in 1843 by C. Ziegler, and ateliers operated in Lithuania until 1859. One of the best-known photographers was K. Neupert, from [[Norway]].<ref name="photovle"/>

In the 1860s, with the spread of the [[collodion process]], [[Photographic plate|glass negatives]] and [[albumen paper]] were used instead of daguerreotype plates. Photo portraits in standard formats became widespread, and commercial photography ateliers were established in Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities. The first landscape and architectural photographs were made by Vilnius photographers [[:lt: Abdonas Korzonas|Abdonas Korzonas]] and Albert Swieykowski, who compiled the 32-image ''Vilnius Album'' (Lithuania's first set of photographs). In 1862, Provisional Censorship Regulations governing the activities of photographic institutions were adopted in 1862, supervised by the Central Press Board of the Ministry of the Interior. Those who photographed the rebels in the [[January Uprising]] were punished; A. Korzonas was deported to [[Siberia]]. Other prominent 19th-century photographers were [[:lt:Stanislovas Filibertas Fleris|Stanisław Filibert Fleury]] (a [[Stereoscopy|stereoscopic]]-photography pioneer),<ref>{{cite web |title=Stanislovas Filibertas Fleris |url=https://www.limis.lt/personaliju-zodynas/-/personFastSearch/view/869771 |website=limis.lt |access-date=7 March 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> Aleksander Władysław Strauss, and [[:lt:Juzefas Čechavičius|Józef Czechowicz]].<ref name="photovle"/>

The world's second [[Solar telescope|photoheliograph]] was installed in 1865 at the [[Vilnius University Astronomical Observatory]], and photographed [[sunspot]]s.<ref name="photovle"/> An unprecedented system of photographing solar dynamics began in 1868 in Vilnius.<ref name="Klimka">{{cite book |last=Klimka |first=Libertas |title=Senosios Vilniaus astronomijos observatorijos instrumentarijus |date=20 June 2001 |publisher=[[Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences]] |location=Vilnius |page=44 |url=https://etalpykla.lituanistikadb.lt/object/LT-LDB-0001:J.04~2001~1367156198266/J.04~2001~1367156198266.pdf |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> [[Jan Bułhak]] founded the country's first photography club in Vilnius in 1927.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus fotoklubas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/vilniaus-fotoklubas/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> In 1952, ''Švyturys'' magazine organized the city's first photography exhibition.<ref name="photovle"/>

===Crafts===
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Didžioji monstrancija.tif
| caption1 = The Great [[Monstrance]], commissioned in Vilnius in 1535 by [[Albertas Goštautas]], is one of [[central Europe]]'s largest.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lobyno vertybės |url=https://www.katedra.lt/lobynas/vertybes/ |website=katedra.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref>
| alt1 = An ornate gold monstrance
| image2 = Lithuania 1616 10 Ducats (reverse).jpg
| caption2 = Reverse of [[Sigismund III Vasa]]'s 10-[[ducat]] gold coin, struck in the [[Vilnius Mint]] in 1616, with the [[coat of arms of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]] and the [[privy mark]]s of the [[Podskarbi|Grand Treasurer of Lithuania]], [[Hieronim Wołłowicz]]
| alt2 = Detailed reverse of a gold coin
}}
Iron tools, weapons, [[brass]], [[glass]] and [[silver]] jewelry have been produced in present-day Lithuania since the first century.<ref name="amatai">{{cite web |title=Amatai |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/amatai/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> [[Pottery]] wood products, and [[weaving]] became widespread in the second and fourth centuries. During the [[feudalism|feudal]] era, home [[crafts]] were components of a [[subsistence economy]]. During the 13th and 14th centuries, crafts became a branch of the economy separate from agriculture. The Grand Dukes of Lithuania promoted the development of crafts in cities, and weaving, shoemaking, fur-making and other crafts predominated. With the early-14th-century introduction of foreign artisans, the development of crafts accelerated; crafts and trade stimulated the growth of Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities. In the 14th and 15th centuries, crafts were specialized (especially the production of tools, household items, fabrics, clothing, weapons, and jewelry); [[workshop]]s were established which trained and defended the interests of craftspeople. Production of fine [[glassware]] began, [[goldsmithing]] was developed, and the level of pottery and weaving rose during the 16th century, and the 1529 and 1588 Statutes of Lithuania identify 25 crafts.<ref name="amatai"/> European goldsmiths worked in the [[Vilnius Goldsmiths' Workshop]] (established in 1495), which controlled trade in [[precious metal]]s and [[gemstone]]s and served the [[Daugava]] and [[Dnieper]] regions, the [[Catholic Church in Lithuania|Catholic Church]], the Grand Duke, the [[Szlachta|nobility]], and townspeople.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus auksakalių cechas |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/vilniaus-auksakaliu-cechas/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> The [[Vilnius Mint]], the main [[Mint (facility)|mint]] of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, minted the Lithuanian [[denarius]], [[shilling]]s, [[groschen]], [[thaler]]s, [[ducat]]s, and other coins from 1387 to 1666.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vilniaus monetų kalykla |url=https://www.vle.lt/straipsnis/vilniaus-monetu-kalykla/ |website=vle.lt |access-date=21 February 2021 |language=lt}}</ref>

Crafting declined in the second half of the 17th century due to the [[Russo-Polish War (1654–1667)|Russo-Polish War]], and most goods were imported and sold by Lithuanian and Polish nobles. It revived from the second half of the 18th century to the first half of the 19th century, with Vilnius the largest Lithuanian craft center. After the abolition of [[serfdom]], craft schools were established in Lithuanian cities; crafts have prevailed in [[clothing]] manufacturing, goldsmithing, woodworking, food processing, and other fields. Under Soviet occupation, craftspeople worked in [[artel]]s until 1960 and then in [[Combine (enterprise)|combines]]. After independence, crafts were produced by small and medium-sized businesses.<ref name="amatai"/>

===Language===
{{See also|Demographic history of Vilnius#Historic ethnic makeup|Lithuanian language}}
[[File:Edict of Vytautas the Great. Issued 1410- 02-16.jpg|thumb|left|alt=An old manuscript|Edict issued by Vytautas the Great in Vilnius on 16 February 1410 in [[Latin]]]]
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Lithuanian primer for kids, published in Vilnius, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, 1783 edition.jpg
| caption1 = 1783 [[Mokslas skaitymo rašto lietuviško|Lithuanian language primer]], published in Vilnius
| alt1 = Title page of an old book
| image2 = Constitution of May 3 in Lithuanian language.jpg
| caption2 = Manuscript of the [[Constitution of 3 May 1791]] in Lithuanian<ref name="Old Lithuanian texts">{{cite web |title=Lituanistica |url=http://lietuvos.istorija.net/lituanistica/ |website=lietuvos.istorija.net |language=lt-LT |access-date=26 June 2017 |archive-date=12 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012210054/http://lietuvos.istorija.net/lituanistica/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| alt2 = An old manuscript
}}
A [[Multiculturalism|multicultural]] city, Vilnius' language changed over the centuries. The predominant spoken language in [[medieval]] Lithuania was Lithuanian. It had no literary tradition, however, and was not used in writing except for religious texts such as the [[Lord's Prayer]] and the [[Hail Mary]].<ref name="kalbos">{{cite web |title=Raštas ir kalbos viduramžių Lietuvoje |url=http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/rastas.htm |website=viduramziu.istorija.net |language=lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=27 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927123608/http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/rastas.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Dubonis2002" /> [[Vytautas]] the Great spoke in Lithuanian with [[Władysław II Jagiełło|Jogaila]], whose son [[Casimir IV Jagiellon]] also spoke Lithuanian.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ar perrašinėjamos istorijos pasakų įkvėpta Baltarusija gali kėsintis į Rytų Lietuvą? |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/istorija/ar-perrasinejamos-istorijos-pasaku-ikvepta-baltarusija-gali-kesintis-i-rytu-lietuva-582-456877 |last=Pancerovas |first=Dovydas |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=1 October 2014 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Statkuvienė |first=Regina |title=Jogailaičiai. Kodėl ne Gediminaičiai? |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/istorija/jogailaiciai-kodel-ne-gediminaiciai-582-1056552 |website=15min.lt |access-date=9 November 2018 |language=lt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kurie Lietuvos valdovai mokėjo protėvių kalbą, kurie – ne? / Laida "Lietuva – mūsų lūpose" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_I9qGa1J44 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/o_I9qGa1J44 |archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live |website=YouTube | date=22 February 2021 |publisher=Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania |access-date=12 February 2023 |language=lt}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Saint Casimir]], the patron saint of Lithuania, knew Lithuanian, Polish, German and Latin.<ref name="VilniusCathedral">{{cite web |title=Šventojo Kazimiero gyvenimo istorija |url=https://www.katedra.lt/sv-kazimieras/istorija/ |website=[[Vilnius Cathedral]] |access-date=3 March 2023 |language=lt |quote=Autorius akcentuoja, kad Kazimieras mokėjęs lietuvių, lenkų, vokiečių ir lotynų kalbas, turėjęs nemažai dorybių: buvo teisingas, susivaldantis, tvirtos dvasios, išmintingas.}}</ref> Fifteenth-century [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] historian [[Laonikos Chalkokondyles]] reported that the Lithuanians had a distinct language.<ref>{{cite web |last=Baronas |first=Darius |title=LDK istorija: Lietuviai bizantiečių akimis |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/istorija/ldkistorija-lietuviai-bizantieciu-akimis-582-298281 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=20 January 2020 |language=lt}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=December 2022}}

[[Ruthenian language|Ruthenian]] was used after the incorporation of [[Kievan Rus']], forming the basis of 19th-century Ukrainian and [[Belarusian language|Belarusian]]. Written Ruthenian stemmed from the interaction of [[Old East Slavic]] with Ruthenian dialects, becoming the main language of the [[Chancery (medieval office)|chancery]] of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 14th and 15th centuries and maintained its dominance until the mid-17th century.<ref name="kalbos" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Zinkevičius |first=Zigmas |title=Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės kanceliarinės slavų kalbos termino nusakymo problema |url=http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/zinkevicius1995.htm |website=viduramziu.istorija.net |language=lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=10 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710180554/http://viduramziu.istorija.net/socium/zinkevicius1995.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Latin and [[Polish language|Polish]] were also widely used in the chancery; Polish replaced Ruthenian in written sources and Lithuanian in public use during the second half of the 17th century. The first state documents in Lithuanian appeared in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania at the end of its existence.<ref name="kalbos" />

At the Vilnius court of [[Sigismund II Augustus]], the last Grand Duke of Lithuania before the [[Union of Lublin]], Polish and Lithuanian were spoken.<ref>{{cite book |last=Stone |first=Daniel |title=The Polish-Lithuanian State, 1386-1795 |date=2001 |publisher=University of Washington Press |isbn=978-0-295-98093-5 |pages=52 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LFgB_l4SdHAC&q=Lithuanian&pg=PA52 |access-date=12 February 2023}}</ref> In 1552, Sigismund ordered that orders from the Magistrate of Vilnius be announced in Lithuanian, Polish, and Ruthenian.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Menelis |first1=E. |last2=Samavičius |first2=R. |title=Vilniaus miesto istorijos chronologija |url=http://www.vilnijosvartai.lt/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Vilniaus-miesto-istorijos-chronologija.pdf |website=vilnijosvartai.lt |access-date=28 March 2021 |language=lt}}</ref> Minorities such as [[Litvaks|Jews]], [[Lipka Tatars]], and [[Crimean Karaites]] were ruled by the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and their languages were only used among themselves.<ref>{{cite web |title=Žydų padėtis LDK |url=http://www.zydai.lt/lt/content/viewitem/243/ |website=zydai.lt |language=lt |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922104112/http://www.zydai.lt/lt/content/viewitem/243/ |archive-date=22 September 2019}}</ref> According to Article 14 of the Lithuanian constitution, Lithuanian is the [[official language]]; however, [[interpreter]] assistance is sometimes provided.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valstybinės kalbos teisinė informacija |url=https://vilnius.lt/lt/savivaldybe/saugus-miestas/valstybine-kalba/teisine-informacija/ |website=vilnius.lt |language=lt |access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref>

===Fashion===
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = horizontal
| header =
| header_align = left/right/center
| header_background =
| footer = [[Janusz Radziwiłł (1612–1655)|Janusz Radziwiłł]] ''(left)'', wearing a żupan and kontush belt; Emerencjanna Pociej, wife of [[Ludwik Pociej]], in Western European clothing
| footer_align = left/right/center
| footer_background =
| width =
| image1 = Janusz Radziwiłł by Daniel Schultz.PNG
| width1 = 130
| alt1 = Painting of a man, standing
| image2 = Emerencyjana Paciej (Warszycka). Эмэрэнцыяна Пацей (Варшыцкая) (Á. Mányoki, 1718).jpg
| width2 = 180
| alt2 = Painting of a smiling woman in masculine clothing
}}
According to historian [[Antanas Čaplinskas]], wives of merchants and craftsmen wore rings decorated with gemstones. Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century property inventories list long, wide-sleeved jackets (known as [[kontusz]]), [[żupan]]s decorated with fur, and [[Pas kontuszowy|kontush belts]].<ref name="clothing">{{cite web |title=Vilniečiai mėgo meną, puoštis ir išgerti |url=http://www.bernardinai.lt/straipsnis/2009-12-07-vilnieciai-mego-mena-puostis-ir-isgerti/36557 |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127173941/http://www.bernardinai.lt/straipsnis/2009-12-07-vilnieciai-mego-mena-puostis-ir-isgerti/36557 |website=[[bernardinai.lt]] |archive-date=27 January 2020 |language=lt}}</ref> [[Button]]s, made of [[pearl]], [[coral]], [[Brilliant (diamond cut)|brilliant-cut diamonds]] and [[emerald]]s, were decorated with diamonds and enamel.<ref name="clothing" /> [[Delia (clothing)|Delias]] and [[dolman]]s were popular with townspeople and nobles.<ref name="ragauskas">{{cite web |last=Ragauskas |first=Aivas |title=LDK istorija: Miestiečių apranga |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/istorija/ldk-istorija-miestieciu-apranga-582-330152 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=27 January 2020 |language=lt}}</ref>

Wealthy townspeople in luxurious clothing aroused the envy of Lithuanian nobility, who demanded laws regulating attire. The 1588 Statute of Lithuania limited townspeople to two rings, and Jews could not wear gold chains and [[brooch]]es.<ref name="clothing" /> Broader restrictions were imposed by the [[Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth]], which adopted the 1613 Act of Thrift forbidding non-noble townspeople from wearing expensive furs in public.<ref name="clothing" /> Payment of a fee later removed the limitations.<ref name="clothing" />

During the late 18th century, almost all men shaved; their hair was short, and they wore open-front blue, green or black [[tailcoat]]s and [[waistcoat]]s with white or light-yellow trousers;<ref name="ragauskas" /> women's clothing echoed West European styles. In the early 20th century, clothing followed West European fashion trends. The [[State Art Institute of Lithuania]] introduced clothing-design studies, and the Vilnius Model House (popularizing apparel and footwear) was established in 1961.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drabužiai |url=https://www.vle.lt/Straipsnis/drabuziai-50233 |website=vle.lt |access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref>

The annual Vilnius spring ''Mados infekcija'' (Fashion Infection), Lithuania's largest [[fashion show]], began in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fashion Infection |url=https://www.madosinfekcija.lt/en/fashion-infection/ |website=madosinfekcija.lt |access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref> Lithuanian clothing designer [[:lt:Juozas Statkevičius|Juozas Statkevičius]] usually presents his shows in the city.<ref>{{cite web |title=J.Statkevičius Vilniuje pristatė savo 2020 m. šiltojo sezono kolekciją: kuo nustebino dizaineris? |url=https://www.15min.lt/gyvenimas/naujiena/mada/vilniuje-prasidejo-j-statkeviciaus-2020-m-siltojo-sezono-kolekcijos-pristatymas-kuo-nustebins-dizaineris-1032-1234906 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=27 January 2020 |language=lt}}</ref>

===Holidays and festivals===
[[File:Kaziuko muge 2010.jpg|thumb|alt=A crowded street scene|Kaziuko mugė is held each March to honor Saint Casimir]]
Catholic holidays such as [[Christmas]], [[Easter]], and [[Saint John's Eve]]) are widely celebrated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Valstybinės šventės |url=http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt/verslui/miesto-renginiai/valstybines-sventes/ |website=vilnius-tourism.lt |access-date=14 October 2019 |language=lt-LT |date=1 September 2011}}</ref> On 16 February (anniversary of the Act of Independence of Lithuania) and 11 March (anniversary of the [[Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania]]), festive and religious events take place in Vilnius.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vasario 16-osios renginių programa |url=https://madeinvilnius.lt/pramogos/renginiai/vilnius-kviecia-vasario-16-aja-svesti-kartu-renginiu-programa/ |website=madeinvilnius.lt |language=lt-LT |date=28 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ką veikti kovo 11-ąją Vilniuje? |url=https://madeinvilnius.lt/pramogos/renginiai/ka-veikti-kovo-11-aja-vilniuje-renginiu-kalendorius/ |website=madeinvilnius.lt |access-date=14 October 2019 |language=lt-LT |date=11 March 2018}}</ref> On the evening of 12 January, bonfires are lit to commemorate the January Events.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jačauskas |first=Ignas |title=Vilniuje pagerbiant žuvusius Sausio 13-ąją uždegti atminimo laužai |url=https://www.15min.lt/naujiena/aktualu/lietuva/vilniuje-pagerbiant-zuvusius-sausio-13-aja-uzdegti-atminimo-lauzai-56-1086966 |website=[[15min.lt]] |access-date=14 October 2019 |language=lt}}</ref>

[[Kaziuko mugė]] (Saint Casimir's Fair), held annually in the city's markets and streets on the Sunday nearest to 4 March (the feast of [[Saint Casimir]]), attracts many visitors and Lithuanian and foreign craftspeople. [[Easter palm]]s ({{langx|lt|link=no|Verbos}}) are symbolic of the fair.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kaziuko mugė |url=https://www.kaziukomuge.lt/ |website=kaziukomuge.lt |access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref> Capital Days ({{langx|lt|link=no|Sostinės dienos}}), Vilnius' largest festival of music and culture, is held from 30 August to 1 September.<ref>{{cite web |title="Sostinės dienų 2019" programa |url=https://vilnius.lt/lt/2019/08/22/sostines-dienu-2019-programa-skelbia-laukia-triju-dienu-unikalios-muzikos-kulturos-ir-pramogu-svente/ |website=vilnius.lt |access-date=14 October 2019 |language=lt-LT |date=22 August 2019}}</ref> The river Vilnia is dyed green every year for [[Saint Patrick's Day]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Švento Patriko dieną Vilnelė vėl nusidažys žaliai |url=https://madeinvilnius.lt/pramogos/renginiai/svento-patriko-diena-vilnele-vel-nusidazys-zaliai/ |website=madeinvilnius.lt |access-date=14 October 2019 |language=lt-LT |date=13 March 2019}}</ref> During the annual [[Vilnius Culture Night]], artists and cultural organisations hold events and performances throughout the city.<ref name="Kulturos Naktos">{{cite web |title=Kulturos Naktos About us |url=https://kulturosnaktis.lt/en/about-us/ |website=Kulturos Naktos |access-date=19 October 2021 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027175734/https://kulturosnaktis.lt/en/about-us/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>