Did you know that all sorts of animals are hidden in the streets of Vilnius? For example, from a humble mouse to the mysterious Minotaur, dozens of sculptures decorate the capital, immortalizing wild animals, pets, and even mythical creatures. Generally, most passersby walk right past these works every day without even noticing. However, if you take a closer look, the city reveals a totally different – playful and unexpected – side. Moreover, if you get caught up in the excitement, we invite you to check out our list Animal Sculptures in Lithuania, where you’ll find out where even more animal sculptures are hiding in cities across the country.
Animals hidden in the streets of Vilnius: a playful sculpture route for the whole family
Indeed, Vilnius is truly a city of sculptures. While most of them depict figures who have shaped the city or country, Neakivaizdinis Vilnius invites you to try a completely different route. In particular, this route is full of adventure and discovery. Specifically, this playful sculpture route – where animals hidden in the streets of Vilnius come to life – is a great choice for the whole family. For one thing, children will love searching for the sculptures. At the same time, adults will see Vilnius through entirely new eyes.
If you choose this route, which takes up to 1.5 hours, you will search for special heroes in central Vilnius. For instance, you may find everything from well-known pets to fantastic animals from the world of imagination. At every stop, children will face a little city riddle. For example, which animal commemorates a famous Lithuanian writer? Which bear in Vilnius wears a ring? All things considered, the 5 km walk becomes not only a fun activity but also a chance to learn new and surprising things about the city’s art, history, and legends.
Animals Hidden in the Streets of Vilnius: A Playful Sculpture Route (click on the object name for easy navigation in the list)
Monument to Grand Duke Gediminas
Address: Cathedral Square
Firstly, as you arrive at Cathedral Square, you’ll immediately notice the monument to Grand Duke Gediminas, installed in 1996. Indeed, this legendary ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania stands by his horse. At his feet, the howling Iron Wolf from the famous dream adds intrigue.
According to legend, after a successful hunt, Gediminas dreamed of a wolf standing on a hill and howling at the moon. Subsequently, the priest Lizdeika explained this dream. As a result, the Iron Wolf symbolized an unconquerable castle and city that Gediminas should found at this location. Therefore, the Grand Duke established the city of Vilnius.
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“Lithuanian hounds”
Address: Barboros Radvilaitės g. 6A
In 2015, at the foot of Gediminas Hill, the city unveiled a sculpture dedicated to Lithuania’s only native dog breed – the Lithuanian hound. Over many generations, breeders developed these dogs from various local hunting breeds. In fact, written sources confirm that people used hounds for hunting in Lithuania since the 16th century. During the Middle Ages, every manor took pride in keeping a pack of these loyal animals.
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“The appearance of the minotaur”
Address: Bernardinų g. 8
In the courtyard of the Shakespeare Hotel, you’ll find the sculpture “The Appearance of the Minotaur,” created by painter, photographer, and sculptor Algis Griškevičius. The openwork Minotaur riding a unicycle appeared in 2001. Notably, the artist often plays with mythological interpretations, changing traditional views of reality. Lithuanian artists frequently reinterpret not only the main Greek gods, but also fantastic beings such as the Minotaur – a creature that is half-human, half-animal. In this sculpture, the mythical hero becomes a circus performer. Thus, the work invites us to see myths in a new light and discover their place in modern urban life.
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“Užupis cat”
Address: Polocko g. 2
In 2019, Jonas Gelčius’s “Užupis Cat” settled on one of Užupis’s fences. Interestingly, the nearby square once hosted a lively market for pets – cats and dogs. If you or your little ones need a bit of courage, visit this proud, earring-wearing cat. “Scratch my ear, and you’ll feel no fear,” the cat purrs kindly.
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“Rytmetis”
Address: Aukštaičių g. 5
A gorilla lounging in a bathtub is the focus of the sculpture “Rytmetis” (“Morning”), created by Donatas Jankauskas-Duonys. Previously, this spot housed the Vilnius meter factory “Skaiteks,” where industrial galvanizing baths were used. During his studies, the artist chromed and nickel-plated his works in these baths. The motif of the bath, the artist’s love of animals, and the mood of Čiurlionis’s painting “Morning” all came together in this one-of-a-kind sculpture.
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“Doberman”
Address: Aukštaičių g. 7
Many people recognize this Doberman sculpture – and for good reason. A similar Doberman with glasses has greeted pedestrians on Gediminas Avenue for many years. Curiously, three versions of this sculpture exist, although one was stolen. Today, the playful dog keeps watch over the bustling Paupys district. At the same time, he waits for a friendly pat from passersby.
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The elephants of Alumnat
Address: Universiteto g. 4
In an Old Town courtyard with a view of the Presidential Palace, you’ll find Vytenis Jankūnas’s “The elephants of Alumnat.” He created this sculpture in 1985 as a diploma project. White cement elephants with black marble details hold a chessboard on their heads. The piece was placed here intentionally – there was once a chess club nearby, so the sculpture became an outdoor chess table. Bring your own chess set and enjoy a game in the open air!
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“Medeinė”
Address: Stiklių g. 6
In 1988, artist Marius Grušas adorned this beautiful Vilnius courtyard with a sculpture of Medeinė, the Lithuanian goddess of forests and hunting. Medeinė sits atop a bear beside a tall fir tree, and copies of this work can even be found in China and the USA. If you look closely at the bear, you’ll spot a ring on one of its toes, engraved with the artist’s initials and the creation year. Challenge your children to join a fun search – who will find this hidden ring first?
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“Legendary giant – legendary cheese ‘Džiugas’”
Address: Aušros Vartų g. 3
Only the curious and attentive will notice the sculpture guarding the entrance to the Džiugas cheese house – a legendary giant holding cheese. Romualdas Inčirauskas created this work, with the original sculpture in Telšiai. The giant holds a wheel of cheese on a pedestal, and next to him stands a mouse, unsuccessfully trying to reach the treat. Inside the cheese, you’ll find another figure – a golden mouse. This gourmet mouse appreciates only the highest quality cheese. All visitors are invited to perform a playful ritual before tasting: rub the golden mouse’s nose with your pinky to awaken your senses.
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Monument to Zemach Shabad
Address: Mėsinių g. 5
To begin with, in 2007, sculptor Romas Kvintas created a sculpture in Vilnius depicting the doctor, a little girl, and a cat. Notably, Zemach Shabad was a celebrated physician who actively participated in Vilnius’s civic life and Jewish education. Furthermore, he was always eager to help others, especially children. In fact, many believe Shabad inspired writer Korney Chukovsky’s character Doctor Aybolit. According to local stories, Zemach Shabad always cared for the little ones – first, a sick girl came to him, then she brought her cat, and eventually, a group of children with their pets gathered at his door. Ultimately, the sculpture stands as a warm tribute to a man whom Vilnius residents remember as a symbol of kindness.
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Eels
Address: Vingrių Square
In 2022, celebrating its fourth anniversary, the MO Museum opened Vingrių Square next door and gifted the city a water-themed sculpture exhibition. One piece, “Eels” by Mykolas Sauka, stands out. The water motif is no coincidence: from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, water from the Vingriai springs was the main source for Vilnius, supplying residents with fresh drinking water.
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Cat
Address: Jurga’s Square, Aguonų g.
To begin with, near Vingrių Square, at Aguonų g. 15, writer Jurga Ivanauskaitė lived from 1997 to 2007. Subsequently, in 2008, a year after her passing, the square was named in her honor, and the following year, Ksenija Jaroševaitė’s “Cat” sculpture appeared. Notably, this choice was not accidental – cats often featured in Ivanauskaitė’s works, and she owned a cat named Lūšis. Finally, the sculpture is made of Lithuanian stone and weighs about 10 tons.
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Animals hidden in the streets of Vilnius: a playful sculpture route for the whole family
This route covers sculptures located in Vilnius’s central area. However, the capital is home to even more animal sculptures: the “Song” rooster in Viršuliškės, the bespectacled Doberman gazing onto Gediminas Avenue, the grasshopper perched on the wall of Konstitucijos Avenue, the goat leaping in Vilkpėdė, and many others. Therefore, we encourage you to discover these hidden gems together with your family!
