In short

Located in the heart of Vilnius Old Town, the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) is one of the largest contemporary art spaces in the Baltic region. The CAC hosts various contemporary art exhibitions and events to enrich cultural life in the city and inspire international discourses around contemporary art.

The CAC organises between 10 and 15 exhibitions annually, as well as events and publishing projects in the fields of performance, theory, literature, film and video art. Many participants of this programme are foreign creators. Every three years, the CAC organises the Baltic Triennial, one of the most ambitious contemporary art events in the Baltic region, reviewing and shaping current ideas.

The CAC cooperates with foreign biennials and art spaces presenting the works of Lithuanian artists, and has repeatedly organised the Lithuanian Pavilion at the Venice Biennial of Art.

Brief History

At the ŠMC reading room, visitors can freely access the largest collection of contemporary art publications in Lithuania. Both the reading room and the ŠMC cinema hall are comfortable spaces for events held alongside exhibitions and in collaboration with various initiatives.

The only permanent exhibition at ŠMC is the "Jurgis Mačiūnas Fluxus Cabinet," showcasing part of the renowned Fluxus art movement collection amassed by Gilbert and Lila Silverman. (The exhibition will return to ŠMC in the summer of 2025.)

ŠMC aims to make exhibitions and events easily accessible while creating valuable professional opportunities for artists and other participants in the art field. Many of the events, tours, and educational programs held here are free of charge, and on Wednesdays, all tickets are available at a discount.