On June 8, 2025, the Česlovas Pečetauskas Museum opened its doors in the renovated bell tower of Šlapaberžė Church. It is a small, cozy exhibition where works donated by the blacksmith himself are preserved and displayed. In this way, the master symbolically returned to his native Šlapaberžė – through his art.
About the Master
Česlovas Pečetauskas is a fourth-generation blacksmith, continuing the craft of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father. Born on January 26, 1947, in Šlapaberžė. From childhood, he was drawn to art – creating from tree branches, drawing, and sculpting. As a student, he often visited his father’s smithy together with his brothers, discovering the secrets of the craft. After completing seven grades, he moved to Vilnius, and later studied at the Stepas Žukas Art Technical School in Kaunas, where he specialized in woodcraft and also taught. Today, the master lives in Viekšniai, but his works are spread throughout Lithuania. His creations – window grilles, gates, fences, weather vanes, lanterns, crosses, and traditional sun symbols (saulutės) – decorate many homesteads and public spaces.
Recognition
- Member of the Lithuanian Folk Artists’ Association.
- Recognized as an art creator in 2005.
- Laureate of the Mažeikiai Regional Award in 2009.
- Honored with the title “Blacksmith of Blacksmiths” in 2016.
- Awarded the Badge of Merit for the Mažeikiai Region in 2019.
His art is rooted in folk traditions and the deep heritage of Lithuanian blacksmithing.
The Museum
Though small, the museum is filled with the master’s donated works and creative spirit. Visitors can explore pieces that reflect not only his craftsmanship but also his bond with his native Šlapaberžė. In the museum, you will see a special exhibit – a bell cast in 1717 and donated by Father Stanislovas. Also preserved here are bricks from the Pečiora asphalt factory, marked with the Star of David and the year of the factory’s founding, ‘1871’. These were discovered beneath the floor during the renovation of the Šlapaberžė Community Centre building. The museum’s wooden sign was crafted by artisan Saulius Lampickas.
Photos: Jūratė Norvaišienė
Highlights from the museum opening:
Address
Šlapaberžės g. 1A, Šlapaberžė, Kėdainių r.
Phone
Working hours
Upon prior arrangement: Ms. Diana, tel. +370 611 07290