Exposition of Martynas Mažvydas’ “Catechism”
On April 8, Martynas Mažvydas’ “Catechism”, the first printed Lithuanian book, will be on display at Franciszek Smuglewicz Hall of VU Library. The tradition of showing the original copy of the book every year for a day gives a perfect opportunity for the general public to get a closer look at this significant piece of our cultural heritage.
Published in 1547 in Königsberg, Mažvydas’ “Catechism” is the first printed Lithuanian book, the publishing of which started a new period in the history of the Lithuanian language. Only two copies of this unique book are known to exist in the world. One copy is kept at VU Library, while the other is kept at Toruń University Library.
In marking the birthday of Vilnius University, some unconventional objects for a library that were found in old documents will be shown to the public this year. It might be surprising to see in the exhibition pieces such as a Christmas wafer decorated with the “IHS” Christogram with the cross, a brass counter and a golden plate (these objects were found in the books that are kept in the Library), or a shilling and a silver button with heraldic symbols from the nobleman’s clothes (these objects were found in the manuscripts). Certain book covers might also be considered “unconventional”: some are gilded and with ornate clasps, others are decorated with straw, while covers of some other books are fit to play board games. If you wonder what other surprises are waiting for you, come to the Library and see for yourself the one-day lasting exhibition!
Location: VU Library, Franciszek Smuglewicz Hall (Universiteto str. 3, 1st floor)
Date and time: April 8, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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VU Birthday lottery
VU invites you to celebrate our 445th birthday in a fun and meaningful way, and from March 12 to April 9, participate in the online lottery, win unique prizes and contribute to a noble cause!
This year, everyone who likes lotteries and the taste of victory will be able to take part in the online lottery organised by the University, where it will be possible to win 30 unique prizes, such as a day of bird watching with ornithologist Marius Čepulis, books by VU scientists with their autographs, a rhododendron seedling, a night excursion in Molėtai at the observatory, subscriptions to tennis courts and other sports activities, a photoshoot, an organ lesson, a week of rest in Palanga and many other valuable prizes.
By trying your luck in this lottery, you are also donating to a good cause because all the money collected will be used to supplement the special 450th-anniversary scholarship fund established by VU for future students from socially vulnerable families.
Participate, win or contribute to a noble cause!
The lottery will take place from March 10 to April 11.
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“Scientific Sprint”
On April 11, the annual science communication competition “Scientific Sprint” is set to unfold. Teams, composed of a professor-student duo, will be allotted a concise 3-minute window to showcase a scientific study or scientific idea of personal fascination.
Participants registered for the competition will benefit from public speaking training, while cash prizes await the creators of the most outstanding presentations.
Further particulars concerning the venue and schedule will be forthcoming.
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VU Talent show
On April 12, the VU Talent Show is coming back! We invite all members of the VU community to reveal their talent – we invite singers, musicians, acrobats, poets, painters, dancers and everyone who wants their creativity and talent to be noticed!
During the Talent show, the participants will be judged by a competent commission. A surprise awaits – during the break, all participants and guests of the event will be surprised by the performance of a mysterious member of the commission.
Location: VU Theatre Hall (Universiteto str. 3).
Date and time: April 12, 6:00 p.m.
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Orienteering run
On April 13, we invite all members of the University community and citizens to participate in the orienteering run organised by the VU Health and Sport Centre. Two tracks of different lengths (90 and 180 minutes) and many great experiences await you!
This year, the VU Children’s University is also joining the event - a separate track for the little ones is planned. The children’s run is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
Location: VU Central Palace (Universiteto str. 3).
Date and time: April 13, 12:00 p.m.
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Concert “Returning Generations”
On April 13, the VU Culture Centre invites you to the concert of the VU Chamber Orchestra “Returning Generations” in St. John’s Church.
Every year, the VU Chamber Orchestra celebrates VU’s birthday by giving its community a concert, which it organises with former members of the orchestra - VU alumni. This is one of the rare cases when even several generations of the VU community play at the same time, and the chamber orchestra turns into a symphony orchestra of more than fifty musicians.
This year, a spring programme will be presented, inviting you to take a walk in nature. The audience will hear the popular work of the famous English composer R. W. Williams - the symphonic poem “The Lark Ascending” and other works that are rich in allusions to the songs of returning birds.
Location: St. John’s Church
Date and time: April 13, 6:00 p.m.
