Founded in 1991 by Nida Rutkiene, Galerija VARTAI started as an exhibition space in Vilnius. It quickly transformed into a prominent cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, music concerts, book presentations, and readings. The gallery has showcased works by leading Lithuanian artists and hosted notable international events.  In 1998, the gallery was honored by Prince Charles of Wales.

 

Following Lithuania's resurgence 30 years ago, Galerija VARTAI became a cultural epicenter. Today, Galerija VARTAI is the leading contemporary art gallery in the Baltics. Led by Nida Rutkiene's daughters, Laura Rutkute and Agne Savaraukiene, along with Toma Mongine, the gallery continues to thrive on the global stage. It hosts exhibitions by world-renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Ignasi Aballí, Hans Op de Beeck, Keren Cytter, Dag Erik Elgin, Jesper Just, Maria Lassnig, Atelier Van Lieshout, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Luc Tuymans, Franz West, and Erwin Wurm. The Galerija VARTAI team has made it a center of cultural interchange, and it became the first private institution to represent Lithuania at the 53rd Venice Biennale in 2009 and the 6th Liverpool Biennial in 2010.

Galerija VARTAI expanded its activities to include contemporary design, responding to the growing demand for professional presentations of original design in Lithuania and abroad. In 2021, the gallery opened SHOWROOM, the first professional platform in Lithuania for showcasing contemporary art and original design, featuring dynamic exhibitions and collaborative projects.