Vilnius Concert Hall, Lithuania | in collaboration with IATBW Architects
The design of the Vilnius Concert Hall aspires to embody an iconic symbol of European cultural identity—one that resonates with both historical reverence and forward-looking ambition. Our vision is rooted in the idea of creating not only a world-class concert venue that meets international acoustic and performance standards but also a civic landmark that celebrates the essence of Vilnius and its people.
Architecture and music have always shared an intrinsic connection. Both art forms address human emotion and spatial experience. In our proposal, this relationship is manifest in a design that strikes a chord with the soul—blending harmony, rhythm, and form into an architectural composition that reflects the cultural richness of Lithuania.
The concept is informed by the city’s unique duality: the juxtaposition of the historic Old Town and the modern cityscape; the prestigious past and the contemporary present. This diversity gives rise to a larger idea—the phenomenon of revival. To move into the future, one must first embrace and learn from the past. This architectural narrative becomes the backbone of the design.
Our vision is therefore based on acceptance and transformation. The proposed concert hall acts as a bridge between times, symbolically and physically.
The site is crowned with a generous public platform—an architectural gesture of openness. Elevated above the terrain of Taurus Hill, this platform embraces two primary volumes: the Grand Concert Hall and the Multipurpose Hall. Rather than concealing function, these volumes are deliberately expressed, visible not only to approaching visitors but also from across the Neris River and the city beyond.
The Grand Concert Hall
A form of dignity and permanence, the Grand Hall stands as a proud reflection of Lithuania’s cultural heritage. Oriented toward Lukiškės Square, its spatial configuration and proportions echo the structure of the former Union building, paying homage to a past that shaped the present. It features a centralized plan with two flanking wings, reinforcing a classical order.
The interior continues this dignified aesthetic with refined simplicity: luxurious seating, warm wood cladding, and a classical yet minimal design language. With a capacity of 1,674 seats, including 150 choir seats, the hall is acoustically engineered to deliver clarity, intimacy, spaciousness, and resonance. A Variable Absorption System (VABS) allows for flexibility to accommodate diverse performance needs, while adjustable risers on the stage support orchestral and choral arrangements.
The Multipurpose Hall
In contrast, the Minor Hall symbolizes emergence and innovation—Lithuania’s evolving creative future grounded in traditional values. Positioned on an angular axis that breaks from the main orthogonal grid, it asserts its distinct identity within the ensemble. Its contemporary interior design supports a broad range of events, from experimental performances to educational programs.
With 500 seats, the hall incorporates dynamic, rapid reconfiguration through independent row/lift technology. It is a flexible, adaptive space designed to support both local and international artists, encouraging cultural dialogue and exchange.
The platform that unites these two halls extends the concert experience beyond the stage. It is conceived as a public promenade, offering panoramic views over Vilnius. Accessible from Taurus Hill and nearby transport connections, the journey to the hall becomes part of the overall experience—blurring the boundaries between cultural institution and urban life.
The landscape design is sensitive to the topography of Taurus Hill. It seeks not to dominate but to amplify the existing terrain, ensuring that the building and its surroundings are in harmony. Tectonic lines in the landscape transition naturally into the podium structure, reinforcing a seamless connection between architecture and nature.
The entrance sequence is carefully curated to be both striking and honest—there is no pretense in form. The two primary halls are visually celebrated rather than hidden, creating an architectural composition that is expressive, confident, and welcoming.
