Art centre in the park: revitalizing Panevėžys’ oldest green space
Skaistakalnis Park is the oldest park in Panevėžys, Lithuania. Set in a scenic landscape along the bend of the Nevežis River, the park features hilly, wooded areas, small streams, and ponds. At the heart of the park is a historic manor, which became a key element of the park’s revitalization. The protected red-brick homestead was carefully restored, with a modern extension seamlessly blending into the park’s natural landscape. Now home to an art residency and creativity center, it has become the beating heart of Skaistakalnis Park, attracting artists, locals, and visitors alike. The park itself was redesigned for greater accessibility, inviting everyone to explore, connect, and rediscover this urban green gem.
From cultural hub to ruin
The journey to establish the art center and revitalize the park was a significant undertaking. The manor was originally constructed in the 1930s as the residence of a well-known local poet who hosted gatherings of artists and intellectuals, making the manor a vibrant hub of cultural life. However, during the Soviet occupation, the building was nationalized and, over the decades, fell into disrepair, becoming a ghostly ruin. Meanwhile, the park was used extensively for sports, training, and competitions. In the 1970s, however, active sports were moved elsewhere to protect the natural environment. Though beneficial for nature, this decision left the park neglected and overgrown for decades. In the final years before renovation, the park and manor ruins were characterized by crime and a lack of security.
A strategic cultural investment
In 2017, the Panevėžys city municipality adopted a strategic plan to shift the city’s industrial identity towards the development of creative industries. As part of this initiative, it was decided to invest EU funds into several major projects, with the renewal of Skaistakalnis Park and the transformation of the manor into an art residency being a priority. The Lithuanian architectural studio “PUPA / Life Over Space” won the architectural competition with a proposal to redesign the park, restore the heritage homestead, expand it with a modern extension that integrates into the terrain, and create spaces for artists.
A park designed for all
The primary goal of the Skaistakalnis Park renovation was to preserve the park’s natural forested character while creating spaces for entertainment and leisure. Different zones were designed: areas for gatherings and cultural events near the arts center in the historic manor, sports and activity zones by the main bridge, playgrounds, and smaller meeting spaces with benches throughout the park.
Restoring and reimagining the manor
The historic homestead, a red-brick heritage building, became a key attraction. The goal of the renovation was to preserve heritage while expanding it to serve the community. Restoration maintained historic details—brickwork, decorative paintings, and the orchard—while the new extension has a contrasting identity. The modern, curved design integrates seamlessly into the terrain, providing studios, workshops, and gallery spaces. Artworks on permanent display can be viewed both inside and outside the building. The curved glass structure blends harmoniously with the trees and landscape of the surrounding city park. The art center building combines history with contemporary architecture. The area around the arts center is used for community events, with wooden terraces hosting readings, concerts, fairs, and exhibitions. One terrace is built on the former manor barn site, incorporating its ruins and original masonry. Gardens and orchards are maintained by local citizens.
Improving accessibility
Improving accessibility was one of the key priorities during the renovation of Skaistakalnis Park. New bridges now play a defining role in the park’s new identity. Both reconstructed and newly built bridges feature a design with vertical wooden planks. The main bridge across the Nevežis River, once inaccessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and cyclists, now includes ramps and an observation area for resting and viewing events. Smaller bridges over streams add charm and playfulness to the landscape of Skaistakalnis Park.
A beloved community destination
Skaistakalnis Park has been transformed into a vibrant, accessible space that balances nature with community activities, honoring its rich history while meeting modern needs. Its thoughtful redesign and arts center integration have made it a beloved destination for citizens, fostering both cultural engagement and outdoor recreation for generations to come.
In 2024, the arts center was awarded Lithuania’s Best Recreational Architecture Project for its outstanding design and community impact. The transformation balances conservation with public needs, making Skaistakalnis Park and art center a vibrant cultural and leisure destination.
• Project typology: Art centre and park
• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:
PUPA / Life Over Space
Terra Firma LT
• All architecture offices involved in the design:
PUPA / Life Over Space
Projektavimo ir restauravimo institutas (Institute of Design and Restoration)
• Other credits:
Team: Tadas Jonauskis, Ignas Račkauskas, Lukas Kulikauskas, Augustas Makrickas, Justina Muliuolytė, Linas Usas, Ramune Baniulienė, Marija Nemuniene
