Vilnius, Lithuania, is strengthening its reputation as a destination for contemporary street art after becoming the first city in the Baltics to host the international Meeting of Styles graffiti festival.
More than 40 artists representing 23 countries gathered in the Lithuanian capital for the four-day event, transforming industrial and public spaces into large-scale works of permanent art. Artists traveled from across Europe as well as Chile, Uruguay and Japan to participate.
The festival comes as travelers increasingly seek cultural experiences outside traditional museums and galleries. Vilnius’ growing street art scene offers visitors an opportunity to experience contemporary art directly in the city’s neighborhoods and public spaces.
Among the festival highlights was a new centerpiece mural created by Romanian artist Lost.Optics and Lithuanian muralist and painter Linas Kaziulionis, also known as K ART 7. Lost.Optics is known for large-scale geometric murals combining graffiti lettering with futuristic and digital-inspired elements. Kaziulionis is one of Lithuania’s prominent muralists and created more than 2,000 square meters of murals internationally in 2024.
The festival’s artists were selected from nearly 170 applications. Their work includes a repainted train wagon that became a visual centerpiece of the event and a new mural on Naugarduko Street, an area known for its technology, culture and food scenes.
The international lineup also featured Spanish muralist Moreno, South African-born artist Marcamix and Croatian artist Lunar, a former Creative Ambassador of Culture for Croatia. Their styles range from colorful character-driven compositions to large-scale spray-painted murals.
Meeting of Styles emphasizes public art and live creation rather than traditional ticketed exhibitions. Visitors were able to watch artists develop their work in real time throughout the festival.
The event also incorporated elements of graffiti culture and hip-hop, including battles, workshops, educational programming and DJ performances at the city’s Railway Station.
While the festival has ended, visitors can continue exploring Vilnius’ street art scene. The city features more than 30 installations at Open Gallery, the Užupis Art Incubator in the independent Užupis neighborhood and “The Walls Remember,” a contemporary art project honoring Vilnius’ Jewish community.
Many of the city’s works can be explored on foot through Vilnius’ dedicated street art route, making it possible for visitors to experience the city’s contemporary creative culture beyond a single festival.
With permanent murals, independent art spaces and a growing reputation for public creativity, Vilnius is positioning itself as an emerging street art destination in the Baltics.