Pavilion Atlas by Praktika: Reimagining Vilnius History Through Cultural Architecture

Architects: Praktika (Dalia Puodziute Seniuniene & Julius Seniunas)

In 2023, emerging Lithuanian architects Dalia Puodziute Seniuniene and Julius Seniunas unveiled Pavilion Atlas, a temporary cultural pavilion designed for the 700th anniversary of Vilnius. Commissioned by the Lithuanian National Museum, this innovative pavilion, titled “Vilnius 200 Years Ago”, brought the museum’s collection out of enclosed spaces and into the historic New Arsenal park, facing the iconic Gediminas Castle Hill in Vilnius’ UNESCO-protected Old Town.

Heritage Context and Concept

The open-air pavilion concept aimed to redefine the museum experience by dispersing the exhibition throughout the park rather than confining it to traditional galleries. Over six months, Pavilion Atlas became one of the most visited exhibitions of the Lithuanian National Museum, offering a meticulous reconstruction of Vilnius as it appeared 200 years ago. Using newly discovered historical maps, archival drawings, and city plans, the architects recreated the city’s landscape, combining 3D-printed models, ambient soundscapes, historical narratives, and video projections to immerse visitors in Vilnius’ past.

Architectural Design and Spatial Strategy

Pavilion Atlas is composed of 16 modular structures strategically scattered across the New Arsenal park. This dispersed pavilion design interacts with the park’s existing pathways, natural elements, and archaeological artifacts, creating multiple points of engagement for visitors. Each pavilion object: including the Amphitheater, Triptych, Rotonda, Walls, Forum, Flags, Stage, and Information Stands, acts as an information carrier, blending exhibition content with architectural form.

The Rotonda, for example, displays a historical map printed on flowing curtains, animated by the wind, while four Walls project recreated visuals of historical Vilnius. The flexible spatial arrangement allows visitors to navigate the pavilion from multiple directions, fostering diverse narratives and personal exploration, effectively turning the pavilion into a city within a pavilion.

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability

Beyond its temporary role, Pavilion Atlas was designed with adaptability and reuse in mind. The modular structures can be easily assembled, compactly stored, and reconfigured for new contexts or exhibitions. This approach not only ensures sustainability but also allows the pavilion to serve diverse cultural and educational purposes in future scenarios. The design demonstrates how temporary architecture can remain functional, engaging, and contextually relevant, far beyond its initial installation.

Pavilion Atlas: Impact and Legacy

Pavilion Atlas exemplifies how cultural architecture can bridge history, public engagement, and urban space. By integrating heritage preservation, contemporary design, and open-air museum principles, Praktika’s project successfully activated a historic park, transforming it into a living exhibition space. Its innovative approach to temporary pavilion design, modularity, and interactive storytelling sets a precedent for future cultural projects in Lithuania and beyond.

All photographs are works of Gabija Strockyte