Lukiškės prison building in Vilnius, Lithuania, which was built in 1904 and running up as a prison up until its closure in the summer of 2019, will be open to the public as an Art Community Hub LUKIŠKIŲ KALĖJIMAS 2.0 in May 2021.

Lukiškės will become a generator of music, modern art, design and culture. Witnessing 117 years of history the building did not change its original look and has already attracted more than 200 artists from different artistic disciplines. Former prison will also serve as a hostel and space for art residencies. More than 18 000 square meter building will be open to community members and the general public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is planned to become the biggest contemporary art hub in Lithuania with a large live music stage able to facilitate festivals and theater performances.

This project is a great example of how otherwise abandoned buildings are saved from demolishment and are resurrected to serve the general public thanks to cultural activists. Similar cultural projects create a perfect platform for dialogue between local communities, governmental institutions and active citizens.

In this particular case the preparation of LUKIŠKIŲ KALĖJIMAS 2.0 project involved a bottom up approach when a through analysis of local residents needs were identified using interviews, focus groups, analysis of local infrastructure, etc. Gathered data supported and extended a vision of integrating all cultural activities and using the former prison as an open-for-all Community Center with main focus on arts.   

This cultural heritage site will open its doors to the public in the end of May, 2020.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/Lukiskiukalejimas2.0/