Stasys Museum awarded in two categories at National Architecture Awards

On Monday, June 30, at the Juozas Miltinis Drama Theatre in Panevėžys, the 2025 National Architecture Awards (NAA) ceremony took place, honoring the best architectural works in Lithuania.

From 125 applications, the evaluation commission selected and awarded winners in nine categories – from residential buildings to urban projects, from theoretical dissemination to sustainable innovations. This year’s Grand Prize was awarded to the “Stasys Museum” – a contemporary art museum implemented in the city of Panevėžys. Attending the ceremony, Minister of Environment Povilas Poderskis emphasized the strategic importance of architecture for the future of the country:

“The most beautiful buildings in Lithuania are yet to be built. They are born not only from blueprints but from the freedom to create. This is a never-ending process. Today, as globalized cities increasingly resemble one another, Lithuanian architects must be free to create and not be hindered by bureaucratic constraints. If we want an exceptional future, we must allow it to be designed. I am glad we have such an architectural celebration – the National Architecture Awards.”

Focus on high-quality public architecture

Chair of the evaluation commission, architect and VILNIUS TECH associate professor Dr. Liutauras Nekrošius, highlighted a notable shift in the public sector’s contribution to architectural quality:

“The variety and dynamics of candidates for the National Architecture Awards reflect the processes underway in our country’s construction market. We are building more residential housing than ever, and renewing and newly creating many public urban spaces. However, we could be more active in implementing sustainable innovations, adapting existing buildings for new purposes, and reviving heritage.”

According to him, six of the awarded projects were commissioned by the state or municipalities, one was a partially state-funded civic initiative, and only two were commercial projects.

“The Grand Prize went to architects who designed a municipal museum in Panevėžys. This should send a strong message to public sector decision-makers: investing in high-quality architecture is both worthwhile and necessary. The Stasys Museum is significant because it represents a Lithuanian version of the Bilbao effect – its success seems to trigger a chain reaction of cultural revitalization in the city,” said Nekrošius.

Best cultural and social architecture project:
Stasys Museum, a contemporary art museum in Panevėžys, designed by IMPLMNT architects (Greta Brimė, Aurimas Syrusas, Viktoras Gricius, Eglė Gečaitė, Ieva Sirijatavičiūtė, Aurelija Kniukštaitė, Kotryna Bajorinaitė, Jonė Virbickaitė, Ričardas Bertašius). Awarded for a collaborative work between architects and artist Stasys Eidrigevičius.

The Grand Prize for architecture that catalyzed a city’s cultural revival was awarded to the Stasys Museum in Panevėžys, designed by IMPLMNT architects.

About the awards

The National Architecture Awards are a state initiative launched in 2023, aiming to consistently strengthen the culture of architectural recognition in Lithuania, foster public and professional dialogue on the significance of architecture in society, highlight the creators of high-quality environments, and frame architecture as a field serving the public interest.

The awards aim for visibility beyond the professional community, inviting society to acknowledge architecture’s impact on urban and regional identity, environmental sustainability, public space quality, cultural memory, and future vision.

The initiative is implemented by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania. The evaluation process is guided by professionalism, transparency, and inclusivity – each year, a diverse panel of experts analyzes submitted works based on criteria reflecting the most relevant directions in architectural development.

The ceremony is broadcast live on LRT Plius and serves as an opportunity not only to honor excellence but also to amplify architecture’s voice in national discourse.

More information: https://naapdovanojimai.lt