About us
Panemunė Castle is a branch of the Vilnius Academy of Arts, operating as a museum-gallery and artists’ residence.
Museum
Panemunė Castle stands as the best-preserved Renaissance residence in Lithuania, revealing rich layers of history and culture from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Visitors can explore the representative apartment of the Governor of Žemaitija, the Seneschal of Samogitia, adorned with neoclassical wall paintings (also used as a contemporary art gallery). On the ground floor, there’s an exhibition featuring the castle’s kitchen, apothecary, and archaeological findings. The first floor of the tower houses a former prison open to visitors, while the top floor offers a stunning panorama of the Panemunė Regional Park.
Gallery
Panemunė Castle Gallery is one of the galleries of the Vilnius Academy of Arts, hosting exhibitions, symposiums, lectures, seminars, mastery courses, meetings, all reflecting contemporary, relevant, and reflective thinking. The exhibitions at VDA Panemunė Castle Gallery are integrated into the museum spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy both historical settings and contemporary art exhibitions simultaneously.
Artists’ Residence
The Vilnius Academy of Arts Panemunė Castle Artists’ Residence is one of the academy’s spaces (alongside those in Nida and Mizarai) where students and lecturers create and relax. It also welcomes all creative and kind-hearted individuals.
Located in the former Panemunė Manor estate barnyard—previously a monastery, machine and tractor station, or primary school—the Panemunė Castle Artists’ Residence was established by the Vilnius Academy of Arts. In the future, a residency program will also be established within the castle itself.
Park
The compositional center of Panemunė Park features the historical castle emerging from greenery atop a hill, reflecting in several ponds. The aesthetic of the area is enhanced by a system of five sculptural ponds, created by damming the river with several dams.