For visitors

“Listen closely…” – this is how Bishop Motiejus Valančius liked to begin his stories.
Can you sense the sharp scent of tansy? Hear the rumble of a horse-drawn cart and the sound of Samogitian hymns? Feel a watchful, yet caring gaze? Perhaps you can already picture the bishop himself – wrapped in a fur coat, walking the streets of Varniai.

The year 2026 has been dedicated to Bishop Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius of Samogitia. To mark this occasion, the Samogitian Diocese Museum, together with the Telšiai District Municipality, invites you to explore the everyday world of Valančius – a world shaped by some of the most significant events in 19th-century Lithuania.

From his groundbreaking work The Samogitian Diocese, the first historical study written in Lithuanian, to his encounters with the Tsar of the Russian Empire; from tending his own garden to teaching and caring for children in Varniai – step into a living dialogue with Motiejus Valančius.

What awaits you:

• An immersive museum experience
  Discover one of Valančius’ most important works – his history of the Samogitian Diocese. This time, the bishop himself becomes your guide, leading you through an audiovisual journey across centuries of Samogitian history.
• A historical forum:
  “From Valančius to Valančiūnas: Three Voices Arrive in Varniai”
  Together with journalist Simonas Bendžius, Fr. Dr. Gintaras Sungaila, and philosopher Dr. Laurynas Jacevičius, we will explore why Valančius still matters today. The creators of the Apologetika.lt podcast – known for their sharp, witty, and intellectually engaging discussions – invite you to an unconventional and thought-provoking encounter.
• An exhibition of personal artefacts
  Featuring restored and preserved items belonging to Valančius, including his iconic fur coat. The exhibition opens a window into his daily life, inviting visitors to reconstruct his world in Samogitia and Varniai through stories, memories, and historical imagination.
• Activities for all ages
  Interactive routes, educational programmes, and guided tours for children. Hymn singing, student readings from the Varniai Motiejus Valančius Gymnasium, and a conference. A selection of souvenirs will allow you to bring a touch of Valančius into your own daily life – whether thoughtfully or with a hint of humour.

Let this year be an invitation to rediscover the many facets of Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius – from Valančius the gardener to Valančius the bishop: a figure who continues to inspire dedication, creativity, and meaningful work.

Update: 2026-04-09