Monument to Stanisław Moniuszko, Vilnius

The Monument to Stanisław Moniuszko in Vilnius is a tribute to one of the most eminent composers of Polish Romanticism. Moniuszko was known as the "father of Polish national opera" and incorporated Polish, Lithuanian, and Belarusian folklore in his music. He spent a significant amount of time in Vilnius, working as an organist, music teacher, and conductor at the Vilnius Theatre between 1836 and 1858. During this time, he composed many of his works that aimed to strengthen the spirits of enslaved Poles under the partitioners.

The monument was initiated by the Vilnius authorities and the painter Ferdinand Ruszczyc to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the composer's death. It was unveiled on September 19, 1922, and was probably created by the artist-sculptor Bolesław Bałzukiewicz, although Bolesław Syrewicz is also mentioned. The bust was placed on the pedestal of the Puszkin monument, which had previously stood in another part of the city. However, the monument faced challenges and devastation throughout the years. In 1915, it was dismantled and transported to Russia by Russian troops retreating before the German army. Later on, it was destroyed several times, and in the 1970s, the bust was removed and destroyed.

In 1989, the monument was renovated, and the damaged elements were reconstructed. However, the head is not original. Over time, the surroundings were cleaned up, and in 2019, during the 200th anniversary of Moniuszko's birthday, the monument was included in the interactive project "Talking Monuments." Passers-by can learn about Moniuszko's life and work in Vilnius via mobile phones, with the voice of Lithuanian conductor Donatas Katkus. The monument's story can also be heard in Polish and English.

The anniversary celebrations emphasized the composer's importance in Vilnius' cultural heritage, unifying Polish, Lithuanian, and Belarusian nations. The Polish Embassy and the Polish Institute in Vilnius organized "birthday happenings" to introduce young people in Lithuania to Moniuszko's figure and work. Despite facing challenges and devastation, the Monument to Stanisław Moniuszko remains an important tribute to the renowned composer and his contributions to Polish, Lithuanian, and Belarusian music.