Vilnius has selected a design for what will be Lithuania’s first purpose-built congress centre, giving the city a route into bidding for events it has never been able to host.
The winning proposal, “THREE”, is by Lithuanian practice IMPLMNT Architects. The 31,500sqm venue will sit between the Lithuanian Parliament and Geležinio Vilko Street on the Neris river, with a 2,000-seat plenary hall, 17 flexible event spaces and capacity for up to 4,500 delegates across simultaneous events.
The open international competition launched in December 2025 with a €100,000 prize fund and drew 28 submissions. Of those, 17 met procurement requirements and went forward to jury evaluation. Second place went to “UNFOLD” by Studija Heima, and third to “FOREST FORUM VILNIUS” by KRS.
Mayor of Vilnius Valdas Benkunskas said: “The winning proposal combines architectural quality with long-term value for the city. It will strengthen Vilnius’ international profile, contribute to economic growth, and open a new section of the Neris riverfront for public use.”
The competition also asked architects to rework a publicly accessible stretch of the riverfront next to a planned pedestrian bridge.
Aurimas Syrusas, architect at IMPLMNT Architects, said: “The design responds carefully to its surroundings – the Parliament, the Neris embankment and the future pedestrian bridge. Its fragmented volumes step down towards both the river and Parliament, ensuring the new complex complements these important landmarks while creating an open and welcoming public space.”
The winner was chosen by an international jury that included Danish architect Helle Juul, co-founder of Juul Frost Arkitekter; Vilnius chief city architect Laura Kairienė; and Go Vilnius chief executive Dovilė Aleksandravičienė.
Vilnius will now open negotiations with IMPLMNT Architects on the design contract for the venue and its surrounding public spaces. Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2031.
