Monuments and sculptures usually tell stories and commemorate important events, and Lithuania has plenty of them. Every day, most of us pass by one sculpture or another. However, do we really know why each one stands where it does?
That’s why we prepared a list of 30 impressive sculptures and monuments in Lithuania. In this list, you will find not only the most famous symbols but also lesser-known objects that truly deserve your attention.
30 impressive sculptures and monuments in Lithuania that will surprise even locals
Three Crosses monument in Vilnius
One of the brightest symbols of Vilnius stands on the so-called hill of Three Crosses. From here, you can see the entire city panorama. The monument links to an old legend about Franciscan monks. Today, it is regarded as a symbol of faith and resistance.
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The Path of Freedom in Vilnius
The Path of Freedom is a sculptural project dedicated to the anniversary of Lithuania’s state restoration and the idea of unity. Sculptor Tadas Gutauskas created it. The sculpture consists of bricks with people’s names, so everyone could contribute to the work. The idea was to remind people of unity and the Baltic Way. For this reason, the sculpture symbolizes people joining hands for freedom.
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Infotree in Vilnius
In Europa Parkas, located near Vilnius, you will find the impressive sculpture “LNK Infotree.” Artists created it from more than 3,000 old televisions. In addition, it is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest sculpture made of televisions in the world. Moreover, it is part of Europa Parkas, an open-air museum where various contemporary art pieces are exhibited.
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Angel of Užupis in Vilnius
In the heart of Užupis stands an angel with a trumpet, which appeared in 2002. The angel symbolizes the rebirth of the district. Interestingly, before it, a temporary egg stood here – as a promise that Užupis would “hatch” into something new. The angel became that new beginning.
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Quay arch “The Pipe” in Vilnius
On the Neris riverbank stands a sculpture officially called “Quay Arch,” but many simply call it “the pipe.” Sculptor Vladas Urbanavičius created it in 2009. As soon as it appeared, it sparked a wave of discussions. Some people see it as a bold piece of contemporary art. Others consider it an incomprehensible object. However, almost no one remains indifferent.
↩︎ Back to list“Royal apple” in Vilnius
A metallic sphere hangs under the Žirmūnai Bridge. Often, it looks like the city’s secret. Interestingly, the artist Kunotas Vildžiūnas created it to symbolize power and statehood. Notably, it is the same “apple” we see in the hands of kings in paintings.
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Frank Zappa monument in Vilnius
In 1995, Vilnius erected a monument to American musician Frank Zappa. In fact, it is still the only such monument in the world. The idea was born not in the USA, but in Lithuania. It became a symbol of freedom and creative thinking after independence.
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Belly of Luck in Vilnius
This small but very popular sculpture is often touched by people hoping for luck. It was created by artist Romas Kvintas and quickly became a city ritual. Rarely does anyone pass by without noticing or touching it, even for a moment.
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Barbora Radvilaitė sculpture in Vilnius
This sculpture commemorates one of Lithuania’s most famous love stories – Barbora Radvilaitė and Sigismund Augustus. As a result, it often becomes a romantic stop in the city. Moreover, the sculpture represents not only history but also a feeling that has lasted through the ages.
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Laurynas Gucevičius sculpture in Vilnius
The monument stands next to Vilnius Cathedral – a building designed by the architect himself. Notably, this is one of those rare cases where the creator “guards” his work. In addition, Gucevičius is regarded as one of Lithuania’s most important classicist architects.
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King Mindaugas monument in Vilnius
People erected the monument to Lithuania’s only king in 2003 to mark the 750th anniversary of the state’s coronation. It stands next to the National Museum, and people often visit it to remember the beginnings of the Lithuanian state.
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John Lennon sculpture in Vilnius
This sculpture appeared as a tribute to the Beatles’ legend and also as a sign of the city’s cultural openness, which is why it attracts both music fans and curious passersby. Many are surprised to find Lennon in Vilnius.
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Snow people sculptures in Vilnius
The Rooster Gallery and artist Tomas Daukša created these sculptures for the “Kuriu Vilnių” project. Two snow people now live in a square on Algirdo Street near Oslo Houses. Kids love this spot. For example, Motiejus likes to call them “little monsters.”
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Tree of Unity in Vilnius
This sculpture symbolizes unity and togetherness. Sculptor Tadas Gutauskas, who also created “The Path of Freedom,” designed it to embody how different people can unite into one whole. At the same time, its form resembles a growing, living organism.
↩︎ Back to listWarrior of freedom (Vytis) in Kaunas
A huge Vytis sculpture stands near Kaunas Castle and impresses visitors from afar. In 2018, artists built it to celebrate the centenary of Lithuania’s independence. People contributed to the project through a special fund.
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“Tauras” sculpture in Kaunas
This large, shiny bull greets you as you enter Kaunas from Vilnius. As a modern symbol of the city, the artists built it quite recently. Often, people notice the bull for the first time while driving by. Undoubtedly, it is hard to miss.
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Liberty monument in Kaunas
In Unity Square stands the Liberty Monument, one of the most important in Lithuania. People built it between the wars, Soviet authorities demolished it during the Soviet era, and later reconstruction brought it back to its place. Consequently, the site holds both history and strong symbolic meaning.
↩︎ Back to listVytautas the Great monument in Kaunas
Vytautas the Great’s monument first appeared in 1932. Later, authorities destroyed it but rebuilt it after independence. Interestingly, the sculptor depicted Vytautas as a ruler standing above defeated enemies, which clearly shows his power.
↩︎ Back to listBearer of light in Kaunas
This sculpture does not stand in a typical place – it sits mounted on a building on Gediminas Street, so people can easily miss it. In fact, it shows a woman holding light, which symbolizes knowledge and enlightenment. Moreover, it adds a small but charming detail to the city.
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“Stumbras” sculpture in Kaunas
A bison stands in Ąžuolynas and is one of the city’s oldest symbols. It was created in 1979, and it reminds Kaunas residents of a time when real bison roamed Lithuania. As a result, many locals feel nostalgic when they see it.
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Kaunas Beast sculpture in Kaunas
This sculpture is based on the legend of the Kaunas beast, which supposedly lived at the beginning of the city’s history. It looks mysterious. Therefore, everyone can imagine what the beast really was.
↩︎ Back to listBook smuggler sculpture in Kaunas
This monument honors book smugglers – people who secretly carried Lithuanian books during the press ban. As a result, visitors can pause here and reflect on how much the written word meant.
↩︎ Back to listDot in Kaunas
One of the most modern art accents in Kaunas, it looks simple at first, but also intrigues. It is a piece of contemporary art that makes you think: is it just a dot, or something more?
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Black ghost in Klaipėda
One of the most memorable sculptures in Klaipėda is the Black Ghost. It climbs from the water near the swing bridge. The sculpture is based on an old city legend. The ghost seems to greet every visitor. As people say, it can even bring luck.
↩︎ Back to listTarava Anike in Klaipėda
This elegant girl’s sculpture in Theater Square is one of the city’s most beautiful symbols. Notably, it was built in 1912 based on a poem by Simon Dach about Anike. However, the sculpture disappeared for a time and was later rebuilt.
↩︎ Back to listIron fox in Šiauliai
A huge, about 15-meter-long metal fox stands by Talkša Lake and ranks among the largest animal sculptures in Lithuania. It is listed in the Lithuanian record book as the largest animal sculpture in the country. As a result, the Iron Fox looks especially impressive in the evening when the lights illuminate it.
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“Archer” (Golden boy) sculpture in Šiauliai
This sculpture stands tall above the city in Sundial Square and ranks as one of the main symbols of Šiauliai. Artists created it in 1986, and people often call it the “Golden Boy” because of its shiny surface and recognizable form. That is why it is hard to miss in the city.
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Chameleon in Šiauliai
This sculpture hides in a surprising place – in a tree near Didždvaris Gymnasium. Sculptor Gintaras Linkevičius created it. The chameleon looks almost alive, slowly blending among the branches. It is one of the more interesting places in Šiauliai.
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Litas sculpture in Birštonas
This sculpture honors Lithuania’s former currency – the litas –and appeared after the euro replaced it. Interestingly, artists installed it quite unexpectedly. As a result, the sculpture now reminds everyone of the days when Lithuania had its own money.
↩︎ Back to listBird-Man in Lazdijai district
This sculpture stands in Veisiejai Park and honors the poet Sigitas Geda. Artists erected it in 2023 to commemorate his 80th birthday. Sculptor Kęstutis Musteikis created it. The name “Bird-Man” fits perfectly, as the sculpture reflects the poet’s work, where man, nature, and freedom are often intertwined.
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