Grūtas Park

Grūtas Park, colloquially known as Stalin's World, is a privately owned and highly controversial sculpture museum located near the resort town of Druskininkai. Following the restoration of Lithuanian independence in 1990, hundreds of Soviet monuments were dismantled across the country; local entrepreneur Viliumas Malinauskas acquired 86 of these monumental statues and officially opened this park in 2001. The expansive grounds are surrounded by watchtowers, barbed wire fences, and recreated trenches designed to mimic the oppressive atmosphere of Siberian gulags. Walking along paths lined with dark pines, visitors encounter massive effigies of Lenin, Stalin, Marx, and various Lithuanian communist leaders. Beyond the statues, the site features a comprehensive indoor exhibition of posters, medals, and historical documents that expose Soviet propaganda and ideology. The park is intended not for glorification, but rather as a stark historical reminder of the dark decades of occupation.

Nearby cities

Alytus

Alytus is the unofficial capital of the Dzūkija region in southern Lithuania.

Alytus area

The area around Alytus lies on the banks of the Nemunas.

Marijampolė

Marijampolė is the center of the Suvalkija region and is known for its industrial importance.

Jonava

Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.

Kėdainiai

Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.

Kėdainiai Old Town

Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.

Elektrėnai

Elektrėnai is a modern city founded during the Soviet era as a residence for the workers of the local power plant.

Druskininkai

Druskininkai is a renowned spa resort in southern Lithuania.

Grigiškės

Grigiškės is an industrial city west of Vilnius on the Voke River.

Lentvaris

Lentvaris is an industrial city near Vilnius and Trakai.

Trakų Vokė

Trakų Vokė is located in the suburban area of Vilnius.

Garliava

Garliava is a growing city located immediately south of Kaunas.

Kaišiadorys

Kaišiadorys is an important railway junction between Vilnius and Kaunas.

Vilkaviškis

Vilkaviškis is located in southwestern Lithuania and is the administrative center of the district.

Vilkaviškis area

Vilkaviškis is located in southwestern Lithuania.

History & landmarks

Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval town centers in Northern Europe.

Kaunas Town Hall

The Town Hall in the main square of Kaunas is often called the 'White Swan' due to its elegant shape and white facade.

Vilnius Town Hall

A Neoclassical landmark in the heart of the Old Town, designed by Laurynas Gucevičius.

Vilkija

A picturesque town on the banks of the Nemunas river with a striking neo-Gothic church and rich Jewish heritage.