Stasys Museum Nominated for Tourism Project of the Year in Lithuania

Panevėžys has firmly established itself as a new destination on the European art lovers’ map in 2024. The city, known for its unique blend of industry, art, and culture, has garnered attention in various cultural and tourism contexts. This year, Panevėžys also gained recognition at the Lithuania Travel awards, “Lithuanian Tourism Success Stories 2024,” earning nominations in two categories. The city competes for the title of Tourism Destination of the Year, while the newly opened Stasys Museum is vying for the title of Lithuania’s Most Successful Tourism Project.

“This year is significant for Panevėžys in every sense. The Stasys Museum of contemporary art has helped place the city on the European cultural map, while the fusion of industry and culture highlights its uniqueness. This synthesis not only underlines Panevėžys’ distinctiveness but also serves as an inspiring example for other cities seeking their identity. Panevėžys is becoming a compelling tourism destination, attracting visitors from Lithuania and abroad, while the city’s cultural ecosystem showcases an exceptional ability to redefine tourism quality,” shares Monika Miniotaitė, Director of the Panevėžys Development Agency, Panevėžys NOW.

Support Panevėžys and the Stasys Museum by casting your vote until January 8, 2025 HERE. Winners will be announced on January 24, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the international tourism fair ADVENTUR 2025 at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center LITEXPO.

By Norbert Tukaj

Culture and Industry: The Face of the City

Opening its doors this summer, the Stasys Museum has become a cultural magnet and a new symbol of Panevėžys. Named after renowned artist Stasys Eidrigevičius, the museum has already attracted over 50,000 visitors and received widespread attention both in Lithuania and internationally. Free admission for locals throughout the summer strengthened community ties, encouraged cultural accessibility, and increased civic engagement. This museum not only enriched the city’s cultural life but also became a key reason for discovering Panevėžys and its remarkable blend of industrial and cultural innovation.

One standout event highlighting this blend is the Open Industry Weekend, now a city tradition. This year, more than 2,000 participants joined over 100 tours, exploring modern industrial enterprises and heritage sites. Interactive installations in public spaces, including motion, sound, and generative art, captivated visitors. Highlights included the illuminated Marriage Palace stained glass projection and performances in industrial spaces, such as a production of Macbeth staged at the Aukštaitija Narrow Gauge Railway depot.

Cultural and industrial synergy continued across unique city venues: the underground water reservoir of Aukštaitijos Vandenys hosted performances and exhibitions, while rooftops of industrial buildings became stages for music and art fusion. Meanwhile, Skaistakalnis Park featured an enhanced “Shining Gardens” installation, blending traditional straw ornaments with modern design.

During warmer months, the Senvagė Fountain became a point of pride, captivating visitors with projections inspired by Stasys Eidrigevičius’ artwork—yet another testament to Panevėžys’ artistic and innovative spirit.

These initiatives demonstrate how Panevėžys masterfully merges industrial heritage with cultural innovation, creating a modern, inclusive, and attractive city image. This forward-thinking approach strengthens the city’s identity, serving as an example of how innovation can boost tourism and elevate a destination’s appeal both nationally and internationally.