Photography Exhibition Opens at the University of Zagreb to Mark the Restoration of the State Day
To commemorate the 107th anniversary of the Restoration of the Lithuanian State, the exhibition "Historical Images of Vilnius" opened on 10 February at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb.
The Lithuanian Ambassador to Croatia, Eduardas Borisovas, inaugurated the exhibition, emphasizing the significance of Vilnius as the heart of Lithuania’s national identity and statehood.
"Vilnius is the historical capital where Lithuania's statehood flourished, where independence was restored in 1918, and where we regained our independence on 11 March 1990. Through this exhibition, we wish to present to you the eternal Vilnius, where the cultures of many nations are intertwined," said Borisovas.
The Ambassador also highlighted that as Lithuania celebrates the anniversary of its statehood restoration, it reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.
The event was also addressed by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Domagoj Tončinić, and the Vice-Dean, Prof. Lovorka Magaš Bilandžić, who introduced the exhibition.
Organized by the National Museum of Lithuania and the Embassy of Lithuania in Croatia, the exhibition provides a glimpse into Vilnius in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing its rich multicultural history.
The history of photography in Vilnius dates back to 1839, when the first daguerreotype images were produced and publicly displayed. By around 1860, the city's first photographic studios had opened, founded by photographers Abdon Korzon and Albert Swieykowski, who began documenting Vilnius. Foreign photographers such as Wilhelm Zacharcik, Antal Rohrbach, and Konrad Brandel also captured images of the city.
Photographers who meticulously documented Vilnius’ urban life included Józef Czechowicz (1818–1888), Stanisław Filibert Fleury (1858–1915), and Jan Bułhak (1876–1950), the latter of whom compiled the largest collection of artistic photographs of Vilnius.
The exhibition will run until 27 February in the entrance hall of the Library of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb.
Photos: University of Zagreb.
