Rarely has art been so pertinent to real life. When Lithuania’s second city kicked off its E.U. Capital of Culture program in January, it looked like an underrated destination getting some time in the spotlight. But then Russia invaded Ukraine, and suddenly Kaunas’ shining moment seemed frighteningly timely.
The yearlong cultural program explores the city’s turbulent history—under Nazi occupation in World War II, and later as an unwilling part of the Soviet Union—through exhibitions by the likes of Marina Abramovic, William Kentridge, and Yoko Ono.
Kaunas has turned that spotlight onto current events with its innovative CulturEUkraine initiative, which provides a space—in the former Central Post Office, a historic city landmark—for Ukrainian artists and entrepreneurs to create new projects and kick-start new businesses, including an artist-in-residence program. Stay at the superhip and modern Moxy Kaunas Center, which opened in the run-up to Capital of Culture just 500 yards from the Central Post Office.
- How Donald Trump Won
- The Best Inventions of 2024
- Why Sleep Is the Key to Living Longer
- Robert Zemeckis Just Wants to Move You
- How to Break 8 Toxic Communication Habits
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- Why Vinegar Is So Good for You
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
