Vilnius Moves Closer to Landmark Congress Centre as Winning Design is Unveiled

Vilnius has taken a major step towards transforming its position in the international meetings market after selecting the winning architectural design for what will become Lithuania's first purpose-built congress centre.

The announcement marks a milestone in one of the city's most significant urban development projects, bringing closer a venue that will allow the Lithuanian capital to compete for large-scale international association congresses, corporate conventions and high-level political meetings that have until now remained beyond its reach.

Designed by Lithuanian practice IMPLMNT Architects, the winning proposal – titled "THREE" – will occupy a prominent site between the Lithuanian Parliament and Geležinio Vilko Street, creating a new landmark along the banks of the Neris River. Beyond expanding Vilnius' event infrastructure, the project also aims to reshape a key stretch of the city's waterfront, integrating new public spaces with the surrounding urban landscape.

Once completed, the approximately 31,500-square-metre venue will feature a 2,000-seat plenary hall, 17 flexible meeting spaces and facilities capable of hosting up to 4,500 delegates across multiple simultaneous events. The project was selected following an international architectural competition and the completion of the public procurement process.

For Vilnius, the development represents more than a new venue: it is a strategic investment in the city's visitor economy and international profile.

Valdas Benkunskas, Mayor of Vilnius, said: "The international competition enabled us to select an architectural vision that truly reflects Vilnius' ambitions. 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. We were delighted by the quality of the submissions and thank all participants for their outstanding work."

The city will now begin negotiations with IMPLMNT Architects to develop the detailed design for both the congress centre and its surrounding public realm.

According to Laura Joffė, CEO of Vilnius Development Company, the competition attracted exceptional interest from both domestic and international design teams. "The competition attracted outstanding architectural teams from Lithuania and abroad, and the quality of the submissions exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to working with IMPLMNT Architects as the project moves into the design phase.”
 

A total of 28 architectural proposals were submitted, with 17 progressing to the final jury evaluation after meeting all procurement requirements. The international panel assessed not only the functionality of the venue but also its contribution to the surrounding cityscape and long-term urban regeneration.

The congress centre is expected to become a pivotal asset for the Lithuanian capital's business events strategy, significantly increasing its competitiveness in the international association and convention market.

Dovilė Aleksandravičienė, CEO of Go Vilnius, said: “The new Congress Centre opens a new chapter for Vilnius. It will expand the range of international events we can host, bringing more delegates, knowledge exchange and global connections to the city.”

Beyond its meetings infrastructure, the project has been conceived as an important piece of urban placemaking. Architects were challenged to create not only a congress venue but also a publicly accessible riverside environment connecting the Parliament district with a future pedestrian bridge and the wider city centre.

Explaining the concept behind the winning design, Aurimas Syrusas, architect at IMPLMNT Architects, said: "Our ambition was to create a building that becomes a natural extension of the city. 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 architectural concept reflects a broader trend shaping the next generation of convention centres, where venues are increasingly designed as integrated civic spaces rather than standalone event facilities. By opening up the Neris waterfront and strengthening links between the river, Parliament district and city centre, the project aims to create lasting value for residents alongside international visitors.

Construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2031. Once operational, the Vilnius Congress Centre is expected to unlock new opportunities for the destination, enabling the city to attract larger international congresses, conventions and political summits while generating long-term economic impact, knowledge exchange and global visibility.
 

---