The article discusses the extent of cultural achievements’ realization in Kaunas citizen’s community during the 15th–18th centuries. The community largely comprised merchants, tradesmen and rivermen, that is, people who travelled a lot and could absorb cultural innovations. It can be stated that Kaunas citizens were open to the high culture (literature, art, etc.). Their libraries had books of outstanding Antique and 16th–17th c., authors; architectural styles of Kaunas city followed the European trends; a considerable number of people studied in European universities. With respect to the cultural sphere, creative potential of Kaunas citizens was not high. Mostly, cultural creativity was realized in community organization sphere and daily life. For example, the use of writing, establishment of elementary schools, building and interior decorating of public and private houses, the nourishment of the city symbols and autonomy. From the middle of the 17th century, Kaunas citizens had to suffer the hardships of wars and epidemics. Despite these difficulties, the small community remained open for the cultural challenges of life. Outstanding intellectuals, brothers Kojalavičiai came from the Kaunas citizens’ environment, although they contributed to the Lithuanian culture as clergymen. The interaction of cultural lives of clergy and laymen, which enriched Kaunas in the 15th–18th centuries, is left for further discussions.

The elections of burgomaster in Kaunas on February 22, 1787 were complicated and caused serious arguments. Even though a Lutheran was elected as the burgomaster, as it was foreseen that year, the elections divided the city community and municipality officers into two groups, which were not based on religious grounds. This was probably the first occasion of this kind, which showed a possible change in values when religion as the main unifying force was replaced by other considerations, most probably disagreements about city governance and management of income and costs.