MO Museum, a new modern art museum, has opened in Vilnius, Lithuania showcasing the 4,000-strong private collection of local philanthropists Viktoras and Danguole Butkus.

Viktoras Butkus sold his biotechnology firm, Fermentas, to Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2010, which gave the couple "the financial platform to bring the concept to life", he said.

Describing their vision as being to create a "museum without walls", the couple has been advised by Lithuanian curator Raminta Jurenaite.

The museum celebrates the work of Lithuanian artists.

Daniel Libeskind designed the building, which sits near Vilnius’s historic medieval city. Libeskind said of his design: "The building is conceived as a cultural gateway, connecting the 18th-century street grid to the medieval walled city.

"As someone who has a true appreciation of the history and beauty of Vilnius, I believe the building and its architecture will become a wonderful place to enjoy art and the spirit of the city."

The museum held a four-day opening ceremony with celebrations marking it out as a landmark for Lithuanian art.

"The opening of the MO Modern Art Museum is a cultural milestone for the city of Vilnius and Lithuania as a whole. This new world-class institution will showcase local art and explore its links with the global art scene," said director Milda Ivanauskiene.

"These never before seen works of art, created behind the Iron Curtain, finally have a venue and an international audience."