The idea of establishing an art museum originated in the beginning 20th century, with the presentation of the first Lithuanian Fine Art Exhibitions (1907) and activities of the Lithuanian Fine Arts Societies.

The Constituent Seimas adopted the Law on M. K. Čiurlionis Gallery in 1921.

The anniversary exhibition of works of M.K. Čiurlionis was organized in the palace still under construction in 1925.

Construction works were completed in 1936 and the temporary K. K. Čiurlionis Gallery was reorganized into Vytautas Magnus Culture Museum. The main part museums collections consist of Čiurlionis Gallery, the treasures of Kaunas City Museum and State Museum.

The museum was renamed to Kaunas State M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum in 1944.

Čiurlionis Museum of Fine Arts has been granted the status of a national museum in 1997.