Guided Lukiškės Prison tour in English

Built in 1904 as one of the most modern and expensive prison buildings in the Russian empire, Lukiškės prison served as a place of confinement for 115 years. Throughout a century of its operation, it was used for convicts and political prisoners opposed by various political authorities.

The prison stood resilient during both World Wars and the Nazi and Soviet occupations, Lithuania’s road to independence. Numerous political detainees from diverse backgrounds, including Lithuanian, Belarusian, Polish, Jewish, and others, confronted the imposing walls of Lukiškės Prison.

In 2019, Lukiškės Prison ceased its function as a correctional facility and, in 2021, transformed into Lukiškės Prison 2.0, opening its doors to the public and artists alike. In just a couple of years, the venue transformed from being the strictest in town to becoming the most open.

A section of the prison now functions as studios for artists, providing a unique environment where approximately 550 creative individuals can collaborate, meet, and engage in the creative process. It is a unique cultural hub in Lithuania as such.

Lukiškės Prison 2.0 provides spaces for artists to express their craft, whether it be a stage for a concert, a platform for creative performances, cultural events, or an area dedicated to visual arts expression.

You can explore the history and current state of Lukiškės Prison 2.0 by participating in guided tours offered daily. These tours have been curated with expertise from professional tour guides and former prison guards.

Lukiškės Prison 2.0 endeavors to find its place amid a complex past and a liberated future for all of us. The prison one has no desire to escape from.

• Different times on different days, check the website
• Contact by email: [email protected]