Panevėžys received award for becoming a new destination for European art enthusiasts

On the occasion of Lithuania’s Local Self-Government Day, the country’s most prestigious municipal awards, the Golden Krivūlė, were presented for the nineteenth time. One of these awards, recognizing a new direction on the map of European art enthusiasts, was granted to Panevėžys City Municipality. Panevėžys earned this honor for its significant cultural project—this spring’s opening of the contemporary arts center, the Stasys Museum. The museum has become not only a symbol of modernity and architectural ambition but also a new landmark for the capital of Aukštaitija and a cultural hub in Europe.

“I would like to thank the European Commission Representation in Lithuania for nominating us for this prestigious award. This recognition confirms that Panevėžys made the right choice by implementing the Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Center project. This center has become a powerful cultural phenomenon, rejuvenating the face of the city and helping Panevėžys secure its place on the European art map. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this project, and I believe the Stasys Eidrigevičius Arts Center will become an excellent cultural platform that opens new opportunities for Panevėžys, the region, and Lithuania,” said Panevėžys Mayor Rytis Račkauskas.

Panevėžys received the award from the European Commission Representation in Lithuania for its efforts to become a center of progressive architecture and contemporary art. The city was recognized for the Stasys Museum — a national-level cultural project, which opened this spring and symbolizes modernity, dynamism, and innovation.

The Stasys Museum, designed by the architectural team IMPLMNT architects, stands out for its contemporary architecture and is one of the most important cultural sites in Lithuania. The museum’s interior, covering more than 3,700 square meters, was designed according to global trends in multifunctional arts centers. This allows for flexible space arrangements to accommodate various exhibitions and art projects. The architecture of the museum reflects simplicity, logic, and creativity, aiming to become a new center for the arts in the Baltic region.

Named after the internationally acclaimed Lithuanian artist Stasys Eidrigevičius, the museum’s debut exhibition, ICON-O-STASYS, showcases an extensive collection of the artist’s work across three floors. At the end of November this year, the museum plans to open an exhibition by the renowned Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch, adding to its current displays.

The Golden Krivūlė awards, organized annually by the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities, honor municipalities for outstanding achievements in various fields. The awards are traditionally presented by 14 national ministries, the European Commission Representation in Lithuania, and the Lithuanian Business Confederation’s leadership, recognizing municipalities’ achievements in various areas. This year, the Golden Krivūlė sculptures, created by sculptor Ramūnas Alminas, were awarded to the municipalities of Panevėžys, Vilnius, Kaunas, Palanga, Marijampolė, Visaginas, Anykščiai, Varėna, Pasvalys, Jurbarkas, Joniškis, Jonava, Akmenė, Molėtai, Plungė, and Radviliškis districts.

Source: Panevėžys City Municipality, Communications Department.