FRES architectes

The project aims to create a venue representative of our society’s contemporary needs : its multi-functional and open character will be dedicated to art and culture on all scales.

At Vilnius’ scale, it is a new landmark for the cityscape, a publicdedicated symbol which will open Tauras Hill to the whole city. At the national scale, the House of Nation hosts the creation, promotion and diffusion of Lithuanian culture and identity. Finally, at the international scale, it is meant to become a world-class acoustic venue for main classical orchestras, as well as a contemporary architectural icon.

Vilnius’ National Concert Hall is first and foremost an expression of public culture, opened to everyone. The diversity of its activities is shared between the inhabitants, musicians, technicians and curious visitors from everywhere. As such, it is meant to stand out as an expressive and functional venue, a new landmark acting like a beacon of light in the city.

Following a clear concept, the building adopts a very distinctive shape, offering a unique profile easily recognizable from all angles. Thought as an architectural landmark on top of the popular Tauras Hill, its concave facades are turned towards all directions and express an inviting feeling of welcomeness from every side. By the reflections on its skin during daytime and its lighting on evenings and nighttime, it becomes a radiant symbol for the institution.

This iconic multi-oriented shape materializes the dynamism, pluralism and openness of the National Concert Hall. From its exceptional location on top of Tauras Hill, it dialogues with other high spots in the city such as the Gediminas tower, while preserving the natural profile of Naujamiestis’s slopes. The building is organized following a very rational layout, optimizing public and private functions and circulations around a simple principle. The public spaces are organized on the northern side, overlooking the Hill and the city, while the private functions are turned
towards the South, enjoying the old cemetery’s park serenity. The Grand Hall, Small Hall and Rehearsal Hall form a central core of representation, where all populations are eventually gathered and meet during the various events. Spaces on the ground floor are completely transparent and opened on all sides, in order to welcome visitors and staff alike from every angle possible.

At the heart of the building, the complementarity of the different halls make possible the creation of a wide range of
representations such as concerts, opera, theatre, conference meetings, etc.

The Grand Hall, a precise acoustical jewel sculpted for classical music, can host from 1500 to 1700 seats. The Grand Hall is shaped in a vineyard layout, which suits the idea of sharing music evenly, between the performers and listeners, in all directions. The Grand Hall folllows an introverted concentric organization where listeners are envelopping the stage on all sides.

The Small Hall, with its 500-seats-blackbox concept, can be easily adjusted for recitals, conferences and much more. Finally, the Rehearsal Hall, with its natural acoustics regulated on those of the Grand Hall, offers a third independant and autonomous space for music.