Opened in 2003, the Energy and Technology Museum is the largest technology museum in Lithuania. Its authentic spaces are increasingly hosting cultural events and welcoming filmmakers — the impressive setting on screen can easily transport viewers into the past or even the far future.
According to Žara Kutkaitė, Head of Events and Cultural Projects, while the museum’s main mission is to present topics of science, electronics, and engineering to the public in an engaging and accessible way, it is equally important for the museum to become an open cultural venue. More and more events — concerts, performances, dinners — are held here, and the spaces are becoming a playground for cinematic ideas as well.
“Our facilities are truly unique. The Energy exhibition, located on the first floor, presents Vilnius’ former first power plant and its authentic equipment: steam boilers, turbines, and the control panel. The Transformation Hall also draws a lot of attention — it is the museum’s newest 1,000 m² interactive space exploring human relationships with energy. This hall can easily embody the future on screen, while the historic exhibition conveys an atmospheric industrial setting. The rooftop terrace of the Energy and Technology Museum, offering a stunning panorama of the capital, has also been used for filming more than once.
We invite filmmakers to use all museum spaces — for example, last year a film shoot took place in the chemistry laboratory. We can also open administrative areas or offer access to temporary exhibitions.”
Creators from Lithuania and abroad come here with lighting equipment, props, and decorations. For a while, the museum becomes a film set: makeup artists settle in one corner, catering appears in another. “In those moments, the museum turns into a miniature Warner Bros. studio,” Kutkaitė shares.
Liepkalnis Water Reservoir
The century-old Liepkalnis water reservoir has also recently opened its doors for tours, events, and, of course, filmmaking. Built in 1916 into the hillside, the structure was used until 1987, after which it was closed and preserved. The last time it served its original purpose was during the installation of the ski slopes in Liepkalnis.
The reservoir is located five meters underground and is known for its impressive acoustics. A vaulted dome supported by eight columns covers the circular space. Due to its round shape, the echo repeats 5–6 times.
“This is a recently retired industrial site of Vilnius. The circular vault, the echo, even the distinctive smell of the place create a unique experience that is best felt by visiting in person,” Kutkaitė says.
More about the museum: https://etm.lt/
