VILNIUS REGISTRAR'S OFFICE (PALACE OF MARRIAGE)

About

The Vilnius Palace of Marriage – the first specially designed palace of marriage in the country – opened its doors in 1974, made a significant contribution to shaping the architecture of civil rituals and has retained its original function to this day. At that time, a team of young and courageous architects led by Gediminas Baravykas created a building of exceptional architecture, which gave birth to other buildings of this kind not only in Lithuania, but also in neighbouring countries.

The interior and exterior elements of the building are characterised by stylistic unity. The building, with its plastic forms and dynamic volumetric composition, blends into the natural environment. The vertical division of the façade of the palace connects the building with the trunks of the trees in the surrounding park. The staircase, which acts as an exceptional element of the façade, is like a symbolic bridge connecting people's lives.

Gorgeous, authentic spaces for marriage and naming rituals, separate areas for the couple's preparations and their waiting guests, and “decision making” rooms are located inside the palace. The stained-glass chandelier designed by Konstantinas Šatūnas and made of 2,000 crystal tubes is a highlight of the building and decorates the ceremonial hall.

To this day, the interior and exterior of the palace in the second half of the 20th century are considered some of the most spectacular examples of the period. For many residents of Vilnius, they have become part of their lifetime memories.