1 September 2026

International experts to seek solutions for a unique timber modernist Reading Pavilion in Palanga

The Palanga Summer Reading Pavilion is one of the most striking examples of timber modernist architecture in Lithuania, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. How do we preserve and adapt this distinctive building, making it fit for contemporary cultural life? The search for answers begins this September, bringing together experts in architecture, cultural heritage conservation and landscape design from Lithuania, Denmark and Latvia.

The International Architecture Symposium “Modernist Timber Architecture for the Future. Palanga” will take place at the Palanga Summer Reading Pavilion of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. The public is welcome to attend a series of lectures, discussions and expert sessions exploring how historic buildings that strengthen local identity can be retained and repurposed for the needs of contemporary society. At the closing session, the expert team will reveal their suggestions for maintaining this outstanding heritage site and keeping it alive for the future generations. 

Timber modernism by the seaside 

“The Palanga Summer Reading Pavilion is one of the most special examples of timber modernism in Lithuania. It is important not only to preserve this exceptional architectural site, but also to find solutions on how it could remain alive, an open cultural centre that brings the community together”, says Aušrinė Žilinskienė, the general director of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. 

The Palanga Summer Reading Pavilion, the work of architect Albinas Čepys, opened its doors to the public back in 1966. Its timber-frame construction, expansive glass surfaces, open floor plan, and wave-like roof instinctively create the connection between the building, its nature landscape and the surrounding city. The Reading Pavilion has earned its place in the Lithuanian Register of Cultural Property and in 2025 has been presented at the Venice Architecture Biennale as a remarkable example of Lithuanian timber modernist architecture. 

The symposium brings together experts 

The symposium will gather specialists and students in timber architecture, heritage conservation, landscape design, and circular construction from three countries.

Speakers sharing their expertise include Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liutauras Nekrošius from VILNIUS TECH, Danish architect and researcher Sidsel Sander, architect Magnus Sølvhøj Kühn from the Royal Danish Academy, Dr. arch. Antra Viļuma from Riga Technical University, Vilnius Academy of Arts lecturer Dr. Indrė Užuotaitė, landscape architect Dovilė Ivanauskienė, among others.  

The workshops aim to encourage dialogue and collaboration among specialists from diverse disciplines and generations, seeking ways to unlock the architectural and cultural potential of the Palanga Summer Reading Pavilion, while balancing heritage conservation principles with contemporary needs of use. The insights and recommendations gathered during the workshops will be presented at the closing session of the symposium. 

Open programme 

Everyone is warmly invited to attend the symposium’s open lectures and discussion sessions. Participants will have the opportunity to explore Palanga’s unique architectural heritage firsthand. International experts will share their perspectives on how decisions about historic buildings shape the city’s cultural identity, influence the future of public spaces and strengthen both the vitality of the contemporary city and the community’s connection to its heritage. 

Some of the events have limited capacity: advance registration is required (valid for both days). Reserve your spot here.  

The symposium is part of the event series by the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, “A Year with Denmark”, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Denmark’s decision to recognise the restoration of Lithuania’s independence. 

The International Architecture Symposium “Modernist Timber Architecture for the Future. Palanga” is a joint initiative of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania, the Embassy of Denmark in Lithuania and the Danish Cultural Institute in the Baltics. The symposium is organised by the Faculty of Architecture at VILNIUS TECH and ‘Docomomo Lithuania’. Organizational partners: the Center for Wooden Architecture in Vilnius, Riga Technical University, and VELUX. 

PROGRAMME 

Thursday, 10 September 

15:30 Opening ceremony “Lost and Found: Pavilion’s Cultural Values”. Architect and heritage conservation expert, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liutauras Nekrošius of VILNIUS TECH, presents the cultural and architectural values of the Summer Reading Pavilion in Palanga. Registration required 

16:00 Walking tour “Tree and Timber Heritage”. During the tour, connections between trees, timber architecture, and Palanga’s urban environment are explored. Registration required 

18:00 Discussion session “Heritage Vegetation”. This session, moderated by landscape architect Dovilė Ivanauskienė, investigates the possibility of restoring one of the most significant elements of the Reading Pavilion’s architectural concept: the tree that grows within its interior. Registration required 

Friday, 11 September

9:00 Lecture “Rethinking Transformation. Can Vernacular Knowledge and Natural Materials Inform Contemporary Practices and Climate-Responsive Design?” Danish architect and researcher Sidsel Sander talks about the local context, natural materials, sustainability and architecture that addresses climate change. Free entrance 

10:00 Discussion session “Equitable Heritage”. Moderated by Dr. Indrė Užuotaitė, lecturer at the Department of Conservation at the Vilnius Academy of Arts and head of the Centre for Wooden Architecture, the discussion looks at possible future usage scenarios for the Reading Pavilion. Registration required 

12:40 Presentation “VELUX Re:Living. An Experiment in Scaling Renovation”. Dmitrijs Astašonoks, Managing Director of VELUX Baltics, presents an initiative aimed at building renovation and its potential for wider application.  Free entrance 

13:00 Lecture “Preserve and Reuse: Extending the Life of Existing Buildings Through Circular Strategies”. Magnus Sølvhøj Kühn, architect and guest lecturer at the Royal Danish Academy, introduces solutions in circular construction, material reuse, and timber structures. Free entrance 

14:00 Discussion session “Resilient Heritage”. Experts discuss the building’s physical preservation challenges and possible solutions. Session moderated by Dr. Antra Viļuma, senior researcher at Riga Technical University with a research focus on timber architecture and sustainability. Registration required 

16:00 Final presentation. Participants present their insights and recommendations, developed during the symposium. Moderated by Paulius Milčius, expert in timber construction. Free entrance 

Please note that you may be photographed while attending the event. Photos may be used publicly.