Šimašius has caused the displeasure of heritage conservationists: the beach is not compatible with the memorial significance of Lukiškės Square



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The history of Lukiškės Square is associated with the repression of occupation regimes and the history of freedom struggles. This is noted not only by the archival data, but also by the installation of a commemorative plaque commemorating 1863. The place of death of the participants in the uprising and the stone for the future monument of the Lithuanian armed resistance (soldier unknown). It is a comprehensive urban space historically formed with a representative, commemorative and social state purpose for the freedom fighters of Lithuania, so the solutions for the adaptation of the square must include and harmonize all these functions.

The Seimas has adopted a resolution stating that the Lukiškės square in Vilnius is forming as the main representative square of the Lithuanian state with accents commemorating the freedom struggles. The installation of a sandy beach in a public space that is extremely important to the historical memory and nationality of Lithuania is considered by the Heritage Commission to be incompatible with the historical and memorial significance of Lukiškės Square. Activities on the artificial beach can overshadow public awareness of the area for citizens, the general public and guests from abroad.

To the knowledge of the Heritage Commission, no new permanent or temporary engineering structures were built to install the beach, but the ice rink structures operating during the winter were used. Possibly for this reason, there was no time to present the creation of this type of square to the public: the idea was made public when the idea was already implemented.

Urgent decisions about such objects important to the state’s historical memory, without giving the public the opportunity to express their opinion, encourage their fragmentation due to the overcoming of important heritage objects, says the State Commission for Cultural Heritage.

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