About Panemunė Castle
Panemunė Castle is a division of Vilnius Academy of Arts. The castle complex has:
· Museum-Gallery
· Bookshop, Art and Design Store
· Practice and Recreation Center (hostel and artists’ studios)
· Park
· Hotel (4 star)
· Restaurant
· Local Community Market
There are two tours in the museum exposition of Panemunė Castle: the first is the State Apartments and Privates apartment of the nobles Gelgaudai family, who once were the rulers of the Duchy of Samogitia (open since June 2021); the second is the kitchen of the late 1700s and the observation tower (26.5 m). Excursions in Lithuanian and foreign languages as well as educations for different age groups in several languages available. It is also possible to order education through the Culture Passport system (http://kulturospasas.emokykla.lt). Exhibitions of contemporary art organized by Vilnius Academy of Arts are open in the gallery space as well as in the various spaces of Panemunė Castle (tower, yard, park).
From 2021 the Art and Design Store will open its doors, where it will be possible to purchase works of students and lecturers of Vilnius Academy of Arts as well as books published by Vilnius Academy of Arts. There is currently an online store: https://www.ekrautuve.vda.lt/
Artistic events take place all year in the former administrative buildings of Panemunė Estate, which was turned into a Salesian monastery in the interwar period. There is also a hostel type accommodation available for the public.
The park is a legacy of several epochs. In the 1600s and 1700s there were gardens, ponds, a zoo, the residence was surrounded by forests. By the end of 1700s an English garden was created with typical features of the time, i.e. classical sculptures or Chinese pagoda. In the interwar period, the park was renovated at the initiative of the Salesian monks and elements were erected: the chapel, legendary grave of the medieval Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytenis and his wife. 2021 the first stage of renovation has been completed in the park.
Services provided: rent of park, courtyard and castle spaces.
The hotel (4 star) and restaurant is located in one of the castle wings. The operator is the hotel chain Best Baltic Hotels. Orders tel. 8 686 39393, more information: www.bestbaltichotels.eu
Local Community Market “Baroque Arcade” is held during the summer season, from Friday to Sunday.