By decision of the Ministry of Culture, the organisation of Lithuania’s National Pavilion project for the 2027 Venice Architecture Biennale has been entrusted to the National Architecture Institute (NAI). The Institute will be responsible for developing the pavilion concept, curating and delivering the project, and will aim to present Lithuanian architecture in a way that is relevant in an international context.
Due to the limited preparation timeframe and international commitments, an exceptional organisational model will be applied for this biennale cycle – the pavilion concept will be developed under NAI leadership, without the usual open call.
According to the Institute, this model is not closed to ideas from the community: architects, curators, researchers and creators with proposals or conceptual visions for Lithuania’s pavilion are invited to contact NAI by March 31, 2026 and present their projects.
It is also reported that in 2027 an architectural field working group is planned to be formed to develop a new model for national representation. According to NAI, this future model would be based on the principles of an open competition and idea mentorship, aiming for greater transparency and broader community involvement.
The Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the most important international platforms for architecture, shaping global directions in architecture, urbanism and cultural policy. Since 2016, Lithuania’s participation has consistently strengthened the international visibility of the country’s architecture and professional dialogue.
The National Institute of Architecture is a state budgetary institution whose mission is to promote the development of Lithuanian architecture as an art form; present architecture in Lithuania and abroad; introduce international trends in architectural development in Lithuania; and collect, preserve and research museum values related to Lithuanian architectural art and architectural heritage.
NAI is being established in Kaunas, in the former Kaunas Central Post Office building on Laisvės Avenue – a historic modernist architectural landmark currently under restoration. While adaptation works are underway, the Institute operates from a temporary office on Kęstučio Street and plans to move into the renovated post office premises in early 2028.
For collaboration inquiries, please contact NAI by March 31, 2026 at – info@nai.lt
