This building on Gediminas Avenue holds more than just statistics
On 16–17 May, the open architecture weekend “Open House Vilnius” will invite visitors to explore spaces that are usually not freely accessible during the rest of the year. One such site is the building of the State Data Agency, located at Gedimino Ave. 29. At first glance, its reserved administrative façade conceals not only neo-Gothic vaults, marble staircases, and a mysterious stained-glass window, but also old stories of the city.
This year, for the twelfth time, “Open House Vilnius” will invite visitors to explore 70 sites, including buildings and interiors, green spaces, and studios of city creators. Visitors will also be able to take part in water tours and visit a construction site.
The building of the State Data Agency is one of those places that residents of Vilnius often pass by without even lifting their eyes. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the façade – it offers a chance to mentally travel back to the early 20th century. The five-storey building began construction in 1913, but the work was halted by the First World War. It was completed only in 1921 and was, at the time, one of the tallest rental buildings in Vilnius.
The original design, commissioned by nobleman Julijonas Kogan, was prepared by engineer Aleksandras Antonovičius. However, the initial concept was significantly altered, and the final appearance differed from the original vision. Today, the façade shows features of both modernism and neoclassicism, including recessed ground floors, Ionic order elements, loggias, terraces, a decorated cornice, and vase-like ornaments visible at the top.
An even greater surprise awaits in the inner courtyard: a risalit emerges, housing an authentic staircase and a lift shaft. The slant of the windows reveals the direction of the stairway ascent: a detail that can only be noticed by stopping and taking a closer look.
Inside the building, visitors will see one of its most impressive spaces – an elliptical staircase with light marble steps and neo-Gothic vaults. This spot continues to attract photographers, advertising creators, and newlyweds. Original tiles from the “Marywil” factory have also survived, once used to decorate confectioneries, hotels, clubs, and theatres.
No less intriguing is the story of the elevator. Its mechanism has been modernised today, yet the original metal structures dating back to the time of the building’s construction have been preserved. When this house was being fitted out, elevators were still a rarity in Vilnius, so the building was considered modern and functional for its time.
Over more than a century, the building’s purpose has changed. It once housed the Warsaw Cooperative Society Bank, tobacco and children’s clothing shops, a flower salon, a hairdresser’s, a timber trading office, and offered insurance services. The building was also home to Francyszek Tyman, Vice President of the Polish Photographers’ Association, who actively contributed to the promotion of photography culture.
In 1978, the building was expanded with an additional wing (Gedimino Ave. 31), where a computing centre was established, designed by architect Aleksandras Stasys Lukšas. This period is also associated with places remembered by Vilnius residents: the restaurant “Akimirka” and the café “Ponių laimė”.
At the end of the tour, visitors will see another highlight – a stained-glass work created in 1969 by Steponas Kazimieraitis. Its title is unknown, and the piece is constructed from thick blocks of glass – a technology that was still considered innovative at the time and favoured by young artists. In addition to its aesthetic value, the stained glass also served a practical function, separating the utility courtyard from the representative spaces.
Today, the building is home to the State Data Agency, an institution whose daily work often remains unseen, although the data it publishes helps to reveal the life of the country and provides information on the labour market, prices, employment, demographic changes, business and economic trends, and more.
The open-architecture weekend “Open House Vilnius” offers an opportunity to see the State Data Agency not only as an administrative institution, but as a living archive of the city’s memory. Behind this building lie not only numbers, but also fascinating stories.
“Open House Vilnius” will take place on 16–17 May. The tours are free of charge and open to everyone.
Last updated: 15-05-2026
Related news:
We Invite You to Submit Proposals for the 2027 Official Statistics Programme
OECD and the EU Invite Participation in the International R&D Careers Survey
Another State Data Lake Training Cycle Completed
How to Recognize a Survey Interviewer from the State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania)?