Moletai (Molėtai) is a district center surrounded by recreational lakes on the bank of the Siesartis River along the Vilnius–Utena road. Its name comes from the common noun molėtas – clayey, clay-colored. The town was mentioned in a 1387 writ in which Jogaila gave a village by that name to the bishop of Vilnius.
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Expansion And Destruction
The settlement expanded in the 19th century, but fire ravaged it in 1907. It was also exposed to heavy fire damage during the Second World War. For this reason retained few of its older buildings. A small row of red brick shops (end of 19th century beginning of 20th century) facing sideways onto Inturkė gatvė forms an interesting complex of trade buildings.
The 1907 Neo-Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul has two paintings with metal raiment of the Madonna and Child. A group of sculptures by Mindaugas Navakas, Paulius Stanikas, and other artists emerged in the town on the shore of Lake Pastovis at the end of the 20th century.
A monument in the central square to a district Bolshevik cow-herder named Vytautas Putna (1982, Gediminas Jokūbonis) moved to Grūto parkas at the end of the same century.
Molėtai Sculpture Park, nestled on the outskirts of the town by the serene Pastovis Lake, is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends art and nature. Let’s explore this captivating open-air gallery!
Origins and Vision
The park was born from the creative minds of two young artists, Dalia Cibauskaitė and Vygintas Čeikauskas, who envisioned spreading art’s wings in Molėtai. In 1998, the park officially opened its gates, marking the beginning of its artistic journey.
Artistic Diversity
Contemporarily equipped, the park showcases an array of sculptures crafted by talented sculptors-architects from Lithuania, Wales, France, and Poland. Works made of wood, black, grey, and brownish granite dot the landscape, inviting visitors to explore their forms and meanings.
Notable Sculptures
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- “Braided Man”: A tall wooden sculpture by Arvydas Ališanka, standing proud amidst the greenery.
- “Boat”: A massive sculpture that defies the idea of swimming, visible from afar.
- “Bridge to Molėtai”: Symbolizing connected shores, this piece by T. Gilespis invites contemplation.
- “Blooming”: A granite gift from Aloyzas Smilingis, the first sculptor of Molėtai.
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Renewal and Evolution
The park underwent rejuvenation in 2001, hosting a second open-air camp for sculptors. New additions included “Pavement” by Mindaugas Navakas and “Observatory” by Svajonė and Paulius Stanikai. In 2014, more sculptures joined the ensemble, including “A Drop” by Vidas Stepanavičius and the mesmerizing “Spatter” by Donatas Dovidavičius.
Capture the Moment
As you wander the park’s beautiful paths, keep your cameras and phones ready. Each sculpture tells a unique story. Whether it’s the infinity-inspired stone composition or the polished granite figures, every artwork is worth capturing.