The city by the River Nevėžis has brought up many well-known artists, writers, musicians. They make the name of the city famous in the world and are winners of various awards.
The Museum of Ethnography has accumulated huge historical and cultural heritage. The Art Gallery organizes about 20 different exhibitions every year. Music and literature evenings, lectures and discussions about culture and art research also take place here.
For already 10 years it has been organizing International Ceramics Symposia. The unique collection of ceramics which is the biggest in the Baltic countries is renewed each year. Since 1987 the Club of the Book Sign BITĖ(BEE) has been functioning. It organizes various exhibitions, contests for the persons from all over the world. The collection comprises of 3-4 thousand book signs.
The Photography Gallery arranges 30 exhibitions of photography every year. 10 photo artists had personal exhibitions abroad and won international awards.
The Chamber Orchestra, Women's Choir VOLUNGĖ, ensemble MUZIKA are well-known for various music projects not only in Lithuania but also abroad. The city is a home to many theatres.
Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre is famous in Lithuania and Europe. Juozas Miltinis has brought up a number of actors. One of them is Donatas Banionis who is well-known internationally. At present Donatas Banionis plays in the films of foreign film directors.
Theatre MENAS is a perfect place for investigations and the search for new stage expressions. The city boasts of Puppet Wagon Theatre which is the only in Europe. Copenhagen Antanas Markuckis, the Director of the Theatre was awarded International Prize of H.K.Andersen in 2003 in Copenhagen. Every two years the International Puppet Theatres Festival LAGAMINAS is organised.
The Public Library with its 8 branch offices encourages the intellectual development and self-education of the residents.
The Brass Orchestra PANEVĖŽIO GARSAS plays not only for Lithuanian audience but also for people in the Baltic countries, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The Orchestra won the Grand Prize in the festival in France in 1997.
Folk art is also promoted in the city. The works of folk artists, especially wooden and smith's works are well known not only in Lithuania.
The Children and Youth Folk Dance groups PYNIMĖLIS, LINELIS, GRANDINĖLĖ, the Senior Folk Dance groups VERDENĖ, JUOSTA are famous in the city and abroad. They are winners of different awards in international festival.