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"Pragiedruliai" Opens Its Doors to the Public
The final protective barriers are being removed from the renovated Juozas Čerkesas estate, now a shining landmark in Skaistakalnis Park, the oldest park in Panevėžys. With this, the newly established center of creativity "Pragiedruliai" is fully opening its doors, revealing new spaces for the public to explore.
On April 27, "Pragiedruliai" invites everyone to step outside and celebrate at Skaistakalnis Park. The event will feature free art workshops, interactive installations, and a concert by FC BASEBALL as the grand finale. The center of creativity aims to connect history with the present, offering an engaging and open space for artistic and cultural experiences.
Panevėžys is widely known for its industrial strength, but Mayor Rytis Račkauskas emphasizes that the city is equally rich in culture, art, and creativity. He believes that culture plays a crucial role in defining the city's identity. When the idea of restoring the "Pragiedruliai" estate emerged, it was clear that the space should belong to the people—a place to experience and create art, to foster a warm and open community. The mayor is confident that "Pragiedruliai" will become a major cultural destination, not only for Panevėžys but for Lithuania as a whole.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
The center of creativity "Pragiedruliai" is housed in one of Panevėžys' most distinctive historical buildings—the restored Juozas Čerkesas-Besparnis estate. In just one year, it has become a vibrant community hub where heritage meets contemporary culture.
The renovation was carried out by the Panevėžys City Municipality under the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism "Culture" programme. The estate, originally built in the interwar period by poet and lawyer Juozas Čerkesas, now features a striking modern glass annex alongside the original red-brick building. This transformation brings new life to the estate’s historic role as a gathering place for professionals, fostering collaboration and creativity.
The center offers a variety of creative spaces, including art and theater studios, audio and video recording facilities, and artist residencies. A community garden is also being developed, encouraging local residents to explore their artistic talents and contribute to the city's cultural identity.
Reviving a Historic Gathering Place
The "Pragiedruliai" estate holds deep historical significance. After World War I, Juozas Čerkesas returned to Panevėžys with his family, purchasing a 9-hectare plot of land where he built a modern home surrounded by a lush landscape. The estate, nestled along the Žagienis Stream, became a cultural hub, attracting writers, lawyers, educators, and intellectuals. It was a place where ideas flourished, and art, literature, and music thrived.
During the Soviet occupation, the estate was nationalized and fell into decay. Locals remember how the once-elegant building lost its roof and windows, leaving behind only crumbling red-brick walls. Now, after years of neglect, the estate has been brought back to life.
According to Sigita Biveinienė, project manager and senior engineer at the Panevėžys Municipality, the restoration was designed to capture the attention of passersby, drawing them in with its blend of history and innovation. The project was made possible through the work of "Pupa – Strategic Urbanism," a small urban design firm that created a unique space for both art and community engagement.
The Heart of Skaistakalnis Park
The restoration of the Juozas Čerkesas estate is considered a major success in preserving cultural heritage. Extensive research, including old photographs and historical records, ensured that every restored detail was as authentic as possible.
One of the main goals of "Pragiedruliai" is to be a welcoming and accessible space for the public. Situated at the center of Skaistakalnis Park, it invites visitors to explore and experience creativity. Approaching from the south, visitors are greeted by the historic red-brick facade, while from the north, near the Žagienis Stream ponds, they can see the modern glass extension. The two sections—old and new—are connected by a courtyard leading to the historic garden. An outdoor terrace and seating areas create an inviting atmosphere for visitors to gather and relax.
Blurring the Boundaries Between Nature and Art
A key feature of the project is the partially underground 380-square-meter annex, designed with large glass windows that blur the boundary between indoor spaces and the surrounding park.
This modern structure is semi-hidden within the landscape, ensuring that it does not disrupt the park’s natural beauty. The roof, covered with a thick layer of soil and grass, doubles as a recreational area.
Inside, the annex hosts art exhibitions, with works visible both indoors and to those passing by outside. The space is also designed for creative industries, offering facilities for musicians, visual artists, and cultural professionals.
This Saturday, "Pragiedruliai" invites everyone to celebrate this new chapter and enjoy the city's revitalized cultural scene.
Funding and Project Details
The " Unifying Center of Creativity" project was funded through the EEA "Culture" programme, which supports the revitalization of cultural heritage sites and community engagement through creative initiatives.
The total project budget was €1,078,557, with €959,839 provided by the EEA fund, and €118,718 contributed by the Panevėžys City Municipality.
The project began on September 14, 2021, and will be fully completed by May 20, 2024.
About the Culture Programme
Thanks to the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism's Culture Programme, more abandoned Lithuanian heritage sites are being revived: the Merkines Manor - a former soap factory, one of the buildings of St Stanislaus Church in Kuļi, Pragiedrulių Homestead in Panevėžys, a barn in Kintai, and others. The projects aim to strengthen cultural education, especially in the country's regions, improve access to high quality cultural products and services, and promote local cultural entrepreneurship. The EEA Financial Mechanism has allocated a total of €8.23 million for the Culture Programme, of which €7 million is from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and the rest from the national budget. The implementation of the projects is supervised by the Central Project Management Agency.