Stasys Museum ,
design:IMPLMNT architects
A modern museum of contemporary art, named after Stasys Eidrigevičius, one of Lithuania's most prominent contemporary artists, has been built in Panevėžys, the capital of Upper Lithuania. The building, designed by the IMPLMNT architects studio under the direction of Aurimas Syrusas, Greta Šidlauskaitė and Ričardas Bertašius, houses a permanent collection of Eidrigevičius' works as well as spaces for temporary exhibitions and art events.
inspired by the works of Stasys Eidrigevičius
Stasys Eidrigevičius, a native of Panevėžys, who has lived in Poland since the 1980s, is a versatile artist active in the areas of painting, graphics, photography, stage design, as well as directing and performance. The multifaceted nature of his oeuvre inspired the architects, who reflected in the museum space the main values expressed by the artist: simplicity, logic and fantasy. Thoughtful spatial solutions reflect the logic of forms and the fluidity of their interrelationships, while also being a tribute to Stasys' work, which can be found in leading collections such as the British Museum and MoMA in New York.
Stasys Museum in Panevėžys (Lithuanian: Panevėžys) - bird's eye view
Photo: Norbert Tukaj © IMPLMNT architects
orientation and integration of the building
with public space
The museum, with its rectangular projection and vertical cuboid form, was located on a square connecting two important arteries: Krantas and Respublikos Streets.
Stasys Museum in Panevėžys (Lithuanian: Panevėžys) - axonometry
© IMPLMNT architects
The space around the museum was planned as an urban gathering place, with spaces for an outdoor cinema, concerts and art events. A smaller building has been placed on the south side of the plot, which refers to the former cinema that used to exist there, now serving as an intimate independent cinema.
Stasys Museum in Panevėžys (Lithuanian: Panevėžys) - the space around the museum is planned as a place for town meetings
Photo: Norbert Tukaj © IMPLMNT architects
minimalist facade of concrete and glass
The body of the museum is distinguished by the minimalist aesthetics of the facade, made of concrete with two types of texture: dotted and linear. Glazing on the first floor of the building adds lightness and openness to the facade, creating a harmonious contrast with the massive concrete surfaces. The artist's signature appears in the upper left corner, on the white wall of the facade. On the roof of the building is a panoramic terrace, from which one can enjoy expansive views of Panevezys and its surroundings.
Stasys Museum in Panevėžys (Lithuanian: Panevėžys) - the mass of the museum is distinguished by the minimalist aesthetics of the facade, made of concrete with two types of texture
Photo: Norbert Tukaj © IMPLMNT architects
internal functions and space organization
The interior of the museum was planned in a clear and functional manner, with exhibition halls arranged on two levels. The educational space and administrative facilities are located on a separate floor.
Stasys Museum in Panevėžys, Lithuania - view of the two-level interior
Photo: Norbert Tukaj © IMPLMNT architects
museum' s outlook and mission
The Stasys Museum, unique for being dedicated to the artist's work during his lifetime, is an important point on the cultural map of the Baltic Sea region. Stasys Eidrigevičius, a permanent resident of Warsaw, donated a significant part of his oeuvre to the museum. The building's space is to be used not only for exhibitions of his works, but also to become a platform for artists from different countries. The new museum serves as an art center that combines local traditions with international perspectives and supports the cultural development of Panevezys and Lithuania.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of IMPLMNT architects.
