New East Digital Archive

Daniel Libeskind to design Modern Art Centre in Vilnius

24 November 2015

Plans have been unveiled for the design of the upcoming Modern Art Centre (MAC) in Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius.

Renowned Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind, who is leading the project, revealed the plans for the 3,100 square metre space, which will be located close to the old city.

The MAC will house work created by Lithuanian artists from 1960 to the present.

The structure is designed to flow between inside and outside space, and will be clad in locally sourced white concrete. An interior courtyard, which features a huge staircase, will cut through the building, creating open spaces within the form of the building itself. This design allows for an abundance of natural light in the galleries. In addition, the museum will feature a roof planted with greenery and a sculpture garden.

“The modern art centre not only creates a home for this extraordinary collection, but the design connects the galleries to the street and the urban fabric — giving the citizens of Vilnius a new cultural centre infused with public space,” Mr Libeskind stated.

As well as the 1,000 square metres dedicated to exhibitions, the space will also feature a café, a bookstore, various educational activity areas and an auditorium. Construction is due to start in 2017 and is set for completion in early 2019.

Source: designboom