Lithuania’s government decided on Wednesday to rename Vilnius Airport from early 2025 until late 2029 after Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, a painter and composer. The initiative coincides with the 150th birth of the artist.
"The official name of Vilnius International Airport and the codes and abbreviations of international organisations assigned to it will not be changed in legal acts, treaties, registers and information systems," the government’s amendment states.
The decision was previously criticised by the outgoing transport minister, as well as the management of the state-owned airports who said it would add confusion for travellers and be expensive to implement.
The Year of Čiurlionis programme approved by the government also includes memorial and legacy projects, exhibitions, concerts, educational initiatives, book publishing and research projects, as well as initiatives by local communities and regions.
Čiurlionis is regarded as Lithuania's most renowned artist, having created a number of works of painting and graphic art. His musical legacy includes symphonic, choral, and piano compositions, as well as pieces for string ensembles and organ.
The painter, composer and cultural figure was born in Senoji Varėna on September 22, 1875. He died near Warsaw on April 10, 1911, and was buried in Vilnius' Rasos Cemetery.
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