Vilnius Launches International Competition for Landmark Congress Centre Design

Vilnius has launched an open international architectural competition to select the design concept for the future Vilnius Congress Centre, a flagship venue aimed at transforming the city’s competitiveness in the global meetings and events market. Proposals are invited until 16 March 2026, with a total prize fund of 100 000 euros. The winning concept will form the basis for a next-generation congress centre planned for completion at the end of 2031 on A. Goštauto street, next to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. 

A strategic step to strengthen Vilnius’ position in the global meetings industry 

Mayor of Vilnius Valdas Benkunskas emphasises that the project is essential for the city’s long-term development. According to him, Vilnius aims to become a leading destination for international congresses, conferences, and high–level events in the Central and Eastern European region - generating substantial, long-lasting socioeconomic impact. The new congress centre will serve as a cornerstone in attracting global talent, international associations, and investment.  

Chief Architect of Vilnius Laura Kairienė adds that the competition offers architects a unique opportunity to propose a new architectural landmark for the city.  She underscores the importance of ambitious design, sustainability, and sensitivity to the historic and urban context of the site.  

Prime central location adjacent to the Lithuanian Parliament set for transformation 

The Congress Centre is planned on a municipally owned site at the intersection of A. Tumėno and A. Goštauto streets — currently a green zone and parking area next to the Parliament. The project is designated as strategically important for strengthening Lithuania’s capacity to host large-scale international congresses, governmental meetings and high-profile events. 

Currently, Lithuania lacks a purpose-built venue capable of hosting 2,000+ delegates under one roof, which limit its ability to attract major association congresses and high-value business events. 

The competition and project development are managed by the Vilnius Development Company and published via Lithuania’s Public Procurement System (CVP IS).  

The brief outlines the ambition to create a world-class, future-ready congress centre with intuitive visitor flows, a strong architectural identity, high levels of accessibility, and a meaningful relationship with the nearby A. Sakalauskas memorial. The concept also includes a high-quality, publicly accessible riverside space aligned with broader Neris riverbank development plans. 

One of the region’s largest cultural-civic and business events projects 

According to Laura Joffė, Director of the Vilnius Development Company, the project represents one of the most ambitious cultural-civic developments in the country. The planned 31,500 m² congress centre will include 17 multifunctional conference halls, featuring a plenary hall for up to 2,000 delegates and a total capacity of around 4,500 participants across all spaces, along with meeting rooms, exhibition and dining areas, and underground parking.  

She highlights that Vilnius is already collaborating with world-renowned architecture studios such as Zaha Hadid Architects and Arquivio Architects on other major urban projects and expects significant global interest in the competition. 

International jury bringing together architectural leaders and meetings industry experts  

A dedicated jury will evaluate submissions against qualitative and procurement criteria. Members include Laura Kairienė, Chief Architect of Vilnius, Helle Juul, Juul Frost Architects (Denmark), Mads Birgens, COBE (Denmark), Lithuanian architects Lukas Rekevičius and Gintautas Natkevičius, Vita Žilinskaitė, Head of the Go Vilnius Convention Bureau, and Evalda Šiškauskienė, President of the Lithuanian Hotels and Restaurants Association (observer). Experts from the Barcelona Convention Centre will also participate in the evaluation process.  

The winner will be announced in May 2026, with monetary awards distributed to the top three proposals. The competition brief was prepared by Mash Studio. More information is available at: www.vilniuscongresscentre.com. 

A contract with the winning team is expected in June 2026. Design work is projected to take over two years. Construction could begin in 2029, with the new centre opening in early 2032.