Reconstruction works of Kaunas State Musical Theatre and the garden next to it crossed halfway. Although field work has been halted by the cold weather, the renovated spaces are expected to become a newly discovered leisure space and attraction center for residents and guests of the city as early as this summer. And these are just some of the projects that will be completed this year.

The building will shine anew

Reconstruction works at one of the largest theaters in Lithuania started last summer. The objects are being renovated by the company “Autokausta”, which has won the contract for the works. According to the head of the Musical Theater Mr. Benjaminas Želvys, more than half of planned works have been completed in half a year.

“As winter came, the work had to stop temporarily. Interior work is already done. The roof renovation is almost complete. Solar batteries will appear on it later. We are now waiting for news from the Ministry of Culture regarding the financing of the project. We hope that works will be done in May or June,” said Mr. B. Želvys.

During the year, the contractors will not only renovate the roof of the Musical Theater, install photovoltaic modules and insulate the cloakrooms on the underground floor, but also to renovate the facade and provide colorful lighting for the building, which passers-by were used to.

After the reconstruction the rainwater system will be arranged.

It is symbolic that the Musical Theatre welcomes the changes at the beginning of the second century of Lithuanian opera and after recent commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the professional Lithuanian theatre. Exactly in the building of current Kaunas State Musical Theatre, in December 1920, the first premiere of the performance took place.

Concrete will be replaced by granite

In the spring, when the weather warms up, the works will be extended and in the area of ​​the square – 8 thousand sq. m. – concrete slabs will be replaced by granite paving.

“Until now, works have been done in underground – archaeological research has been carried out, after which we have put together preparatory layers. The main works remained – paving and installation of small architecture. It should all start in the spring. With the revival of the garden, this urban space will shine new and will undoubtedly become another center of attraction,” said Mr. Aloyzas Pakalniškis, Head of the City Management Department of Kaunas City Municipality.

The lighting will also be renewed. In the dark time of the day, lightning will provide both aesthetic beauty and ensure greater safety. The renovated city garden will be adapted for people with disabilities and parents with wheelchairs.

During the reconstruction, the fountain in the central part of the park will also receive attention. And the sculpture of goddess of fire “Gabija” by Juozas Ruzgas will be moved to another city space. This decision was made by the sculpting community.

The unique monument – the historic site of the memory of Romas Kalanta – will remain in the same place. Contractors are tasked with responsibly protecting the trees growing in the garden.

Renovations of parks and squares

In the spring, it is planned to renovate more urban spaces – the Student Square between Kaunas Technology and the Central Palace of Vytautas Magnus University will receive noticeable changes. By 2022, the area popular with academic youth should have green areas with plant lighting, cozy terraces with benches between them.

According to the author of the project arch. Rimantas Giedraitis, Student Square will use granite slabs and light concrete. The same finishing materials were used to fundamentally renovate Unity Square. And that’s not all – there are places for sculptures in the Student Square. As with other projects, contractors will be required to preserve existing vegetation.

A cozy square will also be installed in the renovated Kęstučio street, at the intersection with Gedimino street. A technical project is being prepared for him. The walls in the area are marked by street art drawings. They are not going to be demolished – even brass details are being considered reconstruction.

The territory of Žaliakalnis between K. Petrausko street, M. Jankaus street, V. Kudirka alley and Radvilėnai highway will soon become a much more attractive place for residents and guests of the city. It was decided to install two squares in this space – the small one and the big one, which will become overlapping zones. More than ten young oaks will join the ranks of mature oaks.

The Santaka Park will also receive changes. The company “Autokausta”, which won the contract for the works, undertook to complete the reconstruction by 2022. After the renovation, Daugirdas Amphitheater with an upper terrace should be revived. It is planned to install railings at the Old Pier. There will be no shortage of attractive leisure spaces in Santaka Park.