Are you preparing yourself for the largest city in Lithuania? The Resta 2019 event is really behind the corner and you can’t really miss the chance to see the largest Baltic exhibition on construction of the Baltic area. This could really be the perfect opportunity to explore the city of Vilnius and its characteristic buildings: walking around the baroque architecture of the mediaeval Old Town (an UNESCO World Heritage since 1994!) or sightseeing around the Baltic city with its pebbly streets and ancient charm – but don’t forget to visit the famous Church of St. Anne, an important example of gothic style. So, Are you ready for this VILNIUS DESIGN GUIDE? Let’s begin!

VILNIUS DESIGN GUIDE

WHERE TO SLEEP

HOTEL PACAI

Located in the middle of the Old Town, the Hotel Pacai represents the perfect rendition of Vilnius spirit. The building was the residence of the army commander Mykolas Kazimieras Pacas in the 17th century and ancient and historic feeling of the period can still be evoked from its wall: the renovation project was an important one and it only took five years for the Lithuanian designer Saulius Mikštas to finish it.

In the 204 rooms and suites many were the important guest of the past (among the best we can find Napoleon Bonaparte, the Russian tzars Peter I and Alexander I, and the King of Poland, Jan Sobieski), and everywhere – from the rich tones of the historic elements to the elegant design – we can feel the country’s heritage and the will to seize the future. The restaurant “Nineteen18” is a world-renowned place to discover the Baltic cuisine. It’s well worth our VILNIUS DESIGN GUIDE!

GRAND HOTEL KEMPINSKI VILNIUS

A perfect choice, if you want to experience a relaxing visit of the city without losing any comfort, is the Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius: from the elegant rooms and suites to the stylish common areas, everything screams about a luscious Baltic experience. Le Salon Bar and Lounge is the perfect location if you aspire to a fin de siècle experience and it will accompany you from lunch to the afternoon tea to the transformation in a contemporary-style setting in the evening. Instead, the Restaurant Telegrafas takes its name from the old use of the hotel as a central telegraph and its restoration has seen a seductive mix of modern elements united to more classical ones – wooden flooring, Veneziano plastering, and a defense wall. For the ultimate touch, the spa is a convenient excuse to stay inside and relax after a day around the city.

WHAT TO SEE

THIBAULT VAN RENNE DESIGN STUDIO

The carpet design studio – located in Gediminas avenue – represents a luxurious alternative to your city sightseeing afternoon. The decision to open a store in the Baltic region, specifically in Vilnius, has been made to bring the famous high-quality hand-made carpets in the region. The flagship store – one of the many around the world – is the perfect setting to displays the brand products in all their glory.

MO MODERN ART MUSEUM

Mo Modern Art Museum in Vilnius is a place you can’t afford to miss. Opened in 2018, it was designed by Daniel Libeskind: with its 3100 square meters, the museum has an integrated plaza that allows visitors to better engage with the exhibitions. The exterior is made with luminous white plaster – the same material used around the city – to keep a continuous connection with Vilnius. As a “cultural gateway” it contains a lot of green space, a terraced roof and, with its dramatic diagonal lines, gives a feeling of visual openness. A must- see stop of our VILNIUS DESIGN GUIDE!