It's been just over a year since Kaunas' modernist architecture was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and this autumn brings yet another reason to celebrate – Kaunas' modernist architecture, along with initiatives to promote and increase its accessibility, has won second prize in the prestigious Cultural Tourism Awards.

Last night, during a solemn ceremony at Dublin Castle in the capital of Ireland, at 10 PM Lithuanian time, Kaunas' modernist architecture was awarded second prize for the city's efforts to make its iconic heritage sites accessible in all areas. The awards, followed by a conference, are organised annually by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) and have taken place for the fifteenth time.

The Kaunas submission highlighted several key achievements from recent years, ranging from the city's support for modernist facade restoration projects to the children's architecture festival and the European Capital of Culture initiative, “Modernism for the Future.” Other notable efforts included the creation of Art Deco and Amsterdam School museums, Rokas Mikšiūnas' “LEGO Modernism” project, Kaunas’ inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the popular “Kaunastic Modernism Routes.”

 Agnė Kriaučiūnienė, Kaunas IN, Manos Vougioukas, ECTN Secretary-General. 

Agnė Kriaučiūnienė, Head of Tourism and Marketing at Kaunas IN, noted: “This award is a great reminder to Europe of what we’ve long known ourselves – just how unique and valuable Kaunas’ modernist architecture is. But the real value lies not in the awards themselves, but in the continuous effort of our local community and cultural heritage advocates, who work to preserve and promote this legacy. Their dedication keeps Kaunas' modernism alive, and this recognition is a testament to our shared efforts. Kaunas truly is a self made city.”

Kaunas, photo M. Plepys

Photo Art Deco muziejaus

Photo collage by Kaunas IN, photos A. Aleksandravičius, Kauno miesto savivaldybė, Art Deco.