Sculpture Park Klaipėda
Klaipėdos apskritis
Sculpture Park Klaipėda, also known as Martynas Mažvydas Sculpture Park, is a prominent cultural landmark located in the heart of Klaipėda, Lithuania. Spanning 10 hectares, the L-shaped park hosts 116 modern sculptures created by 61 Lithuanian artists between 1977 and 1991, including 10 recipients of the National Culture and Art Prize. The park was established on the grounds of the city's old cemetery, which had been in use since 1820 and contained approximately 40,000 burials. This transformation from cemetery to art park reflects Klaipėda's complex history and cultural evolution. The park serves as an open-air gallery of modern Lithuanian sculpture, showcasing significant artistic trends of the late 20th century. It borders important city landmarks such as the Klaipėda Bus and Railway Stations to the northwest and the Pranas Domšaitis Art Gallery to the south. The park is maintained by the Klaipėda City Municipality, with the Small Lithuania History Museum responsible for the sculpture exhibitions. Acknowledged as a natural monument of local significance since 1986, the park offers visitors a unique blend of art, history, and urban greenery, making it a vital part of Klaipėda's cultural panorama.
Plan your trip to Lithuania with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Sculpture Park Klaipėda is during the warmer months when the outdoor sculptures can be fully appreciated in natural light and pleasant weather. Visitors should consider exploring nearby attractions such as the Pranas Domšaitis Art Gallery and Klaipėda University Arts Faculty, accessible via the Mažvydo alley path. While entry to the park is free, booking guided tours or checking for special events through the Small Lithuania History Museum can enrich the experience. Discounts may be available for students and seniors, so inquire locally. Early arrival in the day can help avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Interesting facts
- •The park contains 116 modern sculptures created by 61 Lithuanian artists between 1977 and 1991.
- •Ten sculptors whose works are displayed in the park later received the National Culture and Art Prize.
- •The park was established on the site of Klaipėda's old city cemetery, which held approximately 40,000 burials from 1820 to the mid-20th century.
- •The park was declared a natural monument of local significance in 1986.
- •The transformation of the cemetery into a sculpture park reflects Klaipėda's historical shifts, especially post-World War II Soviet influences.
History
The site of Sculpture Park Klaipėda was originally the city’s main cemetery from 1820 until 1959, known as Memel Städtischer Friedhof, where about 40,000 people were buried over two centuries.
The cemetery underwent neglect and partial overbuilding starting in the late 19th century, and after World War II, the Soviet authorities began dismantling the cemetery, removing German inscriptions and repurposing materials.
In 1975, the city decided to transform the cemetery into a sculpture park, which was officially established in 1977.
Between 1977 and 1991, granite sculpture symposia were held in Smiltynė, with many works installed in the park, turning it into a significant open-air gallery reflecting late 20th-century Lithuanian sculpture trends.
Place Guide
Main Sculpture Collection1977–1991
This collection features 116 modern sculptures created by 61 Lithuanian artists during 1977–1991, showcasing diverse styles and artistic approaches representing late 20th-century Lithuanian sculpture.
Park Landscape and Layout
The park is designed in an L-shape over 10 hectares, incorporating greenery and pathways that guide visitors through the open-air sculpture gallery, blending art with natural surroundings.
