In the heart of Vilnius, the Pavilion Atlas, designed by the emerging Lithuanian architect duo Dalia Puodziute Seniuniene and Julius Seniunas, stands as a tribute to the city’s 700th anniversary.
Pavilion Atlas Technical Information
- Architects1-4: Dalia Puodžiūtė Seniūnienė & Julius Seniūnas
- Location: Arsenalo st.5, New Arsenal Park, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Topics: Pavilions
- Area: 2916 m2
- Project Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Gabija Strockytė
The Pavilion Atlas, forming a strict grid of 16 objects scattered at the New Arsenal park intersecting with the existing park system as well as historical artifacts within the archaeological context, generated a series of diverse mediums to enable visitors to explore different layers of the historical exhibition material.
– Dalia Puodžiūtė Seniūnienė & Julius Seniūnas
Pavilion Atlas Photographs
A Modern Tribute to Vilnius’ Rich Past
The Lithuanian National Museum’s initiative to move an exhibition outside its traditional confines led to the creation of the Pavilion Atlas. This project, situated in the New Arsenal Park in front of the museum and within the UNESCO-listed old town, is more than a structure—it’s an experience that encapsulates Vilnius as it was two centuries ago.
The architects’ vision of an “open exposition” materialized through the dispersed arrangement of 16 structures within the park. These structures, ranging from an Amphitheater to Rotondas, are unified by a theme reflecting the historical color of old Vilnius. Their placement respects the park’s existing layout and archaeological significance, creating a harmonious integration of past and present.
The Pavilion Atlas exhibits a thoughtful selection of materials and colors. Concrete foundations double as public benches, blending seamlessly with the park’s environment. Steel gratings and slender tubes, colored in a subtle beige-red, ensure the structure’s presence is noticeable yet respectful of the historic museum façade and nearby sculptures. Reflective aluminum and white temporary tent roofs add to the Pavilion’s aesthetic appeal, making it a visual delight.
The Pavilion is not just a static display; it’s a dynamic space fostering engagement and exploration. The layout encourages visitors to approach from multiple angles, each offering a unique narrative. This concept transforms the Pavilion into more than just an exhibition space—it’s a journey through time and space, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Vilnius.
The Pavilion Atlas raises the bar for temporary structures with its focus on sustainability and adaptability. Designed for easy assembly and reassembly, the pavilion can be repurposed, enabling its components to be reused in different contexts, thus embodying the essence of adaptive reuse.
Since its inauguration, the Pavilion Atlas has become the most visited exhibition of the Lithuanian National Museum. Its innovative approach to museum exhibitions, combined with its sensitive integration into a historic context, sets a new precedent in temporary architectural structures. The Pavilion is not just a tribute to the past; it is a forward-looking symbol of how history and modernity can coalesce, offering new perspectives and experiences.
Pavilion Atlas Plans
Pavilion Atlas Image Gallery
Notes & Additional Credits
- Project team: Asta Ivanauskienė (project manager), Sandra Šlepikaitė (project manager), Rimantė Vaitekonytė-Mačiulienė (architect heritage specialist), Mindaugas Kasiulevičius (structural engineer)
- Building contractors: MB, Meistras Pleistras
- Competition organisers: Lithuanian National Museum, Architecture Foundation
- Commissioner: Lithuanian National Museum
