Lithuanian PM Proposes 'Palace of Memory' for Controversial Vilnius Site

Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė has proposed transforming the controversial former Vilnius Sports Palace into a "Palace of Memory," a concept aimed at respectfully acknowledging the site's complex history. The building stands on the grounds of old Jewish cemeteries, a fact that has led to decades of debate over its future use.

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The issue is complicated and inherited. (...) Ten years have passed, much discussion, many working groups, various views, but the building stands without significant changes. It is protected, sort of frozen, as a cultural heritage object.

"The issue is complicated and inherited," Šimonytė told reporters, recalling that the building's development was discussed even when she served as economy minister in 2016. "Ten years have passed, much discussion, many working groups, various views, but the building stands without significant changes. It is protected, sort of frozen, as a cultural heritage object."

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to find a solution that honors both the site's significance to Lithuania's national revival period, particularly the Sąjūdis movement, and the memory of the Jewish community and the cemetery that once lay there. "The question is sensitive also because it is a monument to Jewish and Lithuanian history, and we should seek a solution on how to utilize the building, perhaps reflecting the situation of the Jewish cemetery, the interests of the Jewish community, but not forgetting that the building is a very important monument to our Revival period, the Sąjūdis period," she explained.

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The question is sensitive also because it is a monument to Jewish and Lithuanian history, and we should seek a solution on how to utilize the building, perhaps reflecting the situation of the Jewish cemetery, the interests of the Jewish community, but not forgetting that the building is a very important monument to our Revival period, the Sąjūdis period.

Discussions are ongoing with representatives of the Lithuanian Jewish community and the Speaker of the Seimas, Viktorija Čmilytė Nielsen. The Prime Minister anticipates that the debate will intensify in the autumn, as parliamentary resolutions on the matter are scheduled for discussion. Faina Kukliansky, chairwoman of the Lithuanian Jewish Community, has previously stated that the building should not be used for conferences or entertainment, viewing the original construction of the Sports Palace over the cemetery as a sign of disrespect that must now be rectified.

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The former Sports Palace, built on old Jewish cemeteries during the Soviet era, was a sign of disrespect, and now it is necessary to find a solution that restores respect for this place.