Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society

The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society is one of the most important and luxurious monuments of Vilnius historicist architecture, built at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of former merchants’ houses. At the time, the building for theatre performances and other events was called “City Hall”, which marked a qualitatively new stage in the architectural development of the building. This building is a testament to the importance of cultural buildings in the 20th century.

Although the appearance and function of the building has changed over time, the Philharmonic is still one of the most representative examples of historicist architecture in Vilnius today. The building is also unique in its architectural solutions, including the street gate arch at the beginning of the arcade, which once connected parts of the “City Hall” and the hotel buildings, as well as the bridge on the third floor connecting the buildings from the hotel to the hall, which allowed distinguished hotel guests to enter it directly from their place of accommodation. The interior of the building is also unique, with the Vingrių spring stream flowing under protective glass.

The current Philharmonic building, as a cultural landmark in the city’s urban structure, is one of the city’s main concert venues, with a history that traces the most important phases of Vilnius’ urban change.