Vilnius has opened an international architectural competition to design its planned Congress Centre. Submissions close on 16 March 2026, with a prize fund of €100,000. The winning design will shape a 31,500sqm venue on A. Goštauto Street – at a site that sits beside Lithuania’s Parliament. The building is scheduled for completion in 2031, with full opening expected in early 2032.
A big step forward for Lithuanian events
The city sees the project as a major step in its events strategy. Mayor Valdas Benkunskas said the centre is essential for long-term development. “Vilnius aims to become a leading destination for international congresses, conferences, and high–level events in the Central and Eastern European region,” he said. He noted its planned role in attracting global talent, associations and investment.
The centre will be built on a municipally owned plot at the A. Tumėno and A. Goštauto intersection. The land is currently a green area and parking space next to the Parliament. The project is classed as strategically important for hosting large international congresses, government meetings and high-profile events.
Filling a gap in Lithuania’s infrastructure
Currently, Lithuania lacks a purpose-built venue that can hold more than 2,000 delegates under one roof. This limits its ability to win major association congresses. The new venue is intended to fill that gap.
Vilnius Development Company is managing the competition through Lithuania’s Public Procurement System (CVP IS). The brief calls for a centre with clear visitor flows, strong identity and high accessibility, along with a clear link to the A. Sakalauskas memorial. It also includes new public space on the Neris riverbank.
The proposed venue includes 17 multifunctional halls. A plenary hall will seat up to 2,000 delegates, with overall capacity for about 4,500 participants across all areas. The design will also include meeting rooms, exhibition zones, dining areas, and underground parking. “The project represents one of the most ambitious cultural-civic developments in the country,” said Laura Joffė, director of Vilnius Development Company.
An international jury will assess submissions. Members include Laura Kairienė, Helle Juul of Juul Frost Architects (Denmark), Vita Žilinskaitė, head of the Go Vilnius Convention Bureau, and Evalda Šiškauskienė, president of the Lithuanian Hotels and Restaurants Association, who will be an observer. Experts from the Barcelona Convention Centre will also participate.
The winner will be announced in May 2026. The top three teams will receive monetary awards. A contract with the winner is planned for June 2026. Design work is expected to take more than two years, with construction set to start in 2029.
The competition brief was prepared by Mash Studio. More information is available at www.vilniuscongresscentre.com.