2024 on Screen: Top Shooting Locations in Vilnius

Stockholm, London, Berlin, and Vienna are just a few examples of the cities Vilnius has played on screen this year. As 2024 comes to an end, we invite you to revisit the most outstanding shooting locations in Vilnius and discover which corners of this beautiful city are about to captivate international cinema-goers. 

US Filmmakers Choose St. Kazimieras Street for a Motion Picture Based on a True Story

Start your cinematic journey on St. Kazimieras Street, a favorite among both tourists and filmmakers. With its cinematic charm, it’s no surprise this small street has become a beloved location.

In spring 2024, the US company Kaleidoscope Pictures returned to Lithuania for the third time to film Truth and Conviction, a series based on a true story. The series’ director first visited Vilnius eight years ago and was captivated by the city’s Old Town. This year, the team shot key scenes at a building located at the corner of St. Kazimieras Street and Didžioji Street. This former Tallat-Kelpša Observatory was transformed into an authentic replica of a 1940s Hamburg apartment, complete with restored interiors and furnished bedrooms.

The upcoming series takes viewers to Hamburg, Germany, in 1941, where a young member of the Hitler Youth secretly listens to banned BBC radio broadcasts condemning the Nazi war machine. Inspired by these broadcasts, Helmut Hübener becomes convinced that Hitler is not the savior of the nation but rather a deceiver. When his Jewish friend Solomon is sent to a concentration camp, Helmut finally decides to act.

“Hamburg used to be nicknamed the Venice of Germany because of its many canals and unique architecture,” recalls John Foss, the series’ director. “In Vilnius, we found buildings that seemed frozen in time yet well-maintained. The cobblestone streets of Vilnius’ Old Town perfectly evoked the mood we needed. We could easily imagine our protagonist sneaking through these streets at night, dropping leaflets into mailboxes. Vilnius offered us both public buildings for Hamburg’s cityscape and intimate settings for the characters’ homes.”

The Entrance to the Philharmonic Hall: A Hotel and a Palace

Continue your journey to the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall. Known for fostering classical music and preserving cultural heritage, this historic venue has also become a popular location for filmmakers. Many films and TV series were shot here in 2024.

In summer, the entrance to the Philharmonic Hall was once again transformed into the Hofburg Palace for the costume drama Sisi. This series narrates the coming-of-age story of Austrian Empress Elizabeth. Shooting also took place on Aušros Vartų Street and Jonas Basanavičius Square, with scenes of soldiers, cheering crowds, rebellious uprisings, and horse-drawn carriages capturing the vibrancy of imperial Austria.

During winter, the Philharmonic Hall caught the eye of German filmmakers for the Christmas film Weihnachten im Olymp, produced by ZDF. The story follows nine lonely individuals who spend Christmas Eve inside a luxurious shopping mall, “Olymp.” Misunderstood and longing for connection, the characters unexpectedly find camaraderie, festive cheer, and love. For this film, the exterior of the Philharmonic Hall was transformed into the facade of the shopping mall, complete with a Christmas train passing by Aušros Street.

Christmas Magic in Town Hall Square

As you head down Didžioji Street, you’ll reach Town Hall Square, which became a festive wonderland in autumn. A Christmas commercial for one of the world’s largest mobile operators was shot here, with a Christmas tree, garlands, and holiday decorations creating a magical setting. The production team, an international collaboration of professionals from Spain, the United Kingdom, France, and Lithuania, brought the square to life.

Dystopian KFC England on Vilnius Street

Next, make your way to Vilnius Street, where the Ministry of Health building serves as a striking backdrop for various projects. Designed by architect Justinas Šeibokas, this modernist structure complements the historic lines of the Old Town and features a cinematic open courtyard.

In 2024, a KFC advertisement transformed Vilnius into a dystopian version of England. Th

A Huge Protest on Gedimino Avenue

Continuing along Vilnius Street, you’ll reach Gedimino Avenue, where sections of Vincas Kudirkas Square served as the backdrop for a German TV series based on a novel by Danish writer Peter Höeg. Filmed in spring, the series depicts a dystopian future, with an intense protest scene shot on Gedimino Avenue. The scene involved police cars, artificial snow, and a large crowd of actors, creating a highly charged atmosphere. A crew of nearly 160 professionals, including many Lithuanians, brought this pivotal scene to life.

University Graduation at Martynas Mažvydas Library

Walking along Gedimino Avenue leads to Martynas Mažvydas Library and Seimas Square. Here, Meridian, an international real estate and investment company, shot an advertisement in 2024. The library, doubling as a university in the ad, showcased Vilnius’ versatility as a filming location.

History Against the Backdrop of Modern Skyscrapers

Finally, cross the White Bridge to reach Vilnius’ business district, a hub of modern skyscrapers often featured in cinematic projects. In 2024, a commercial for a popular car brand was shot here, along with scenes for a Lithuanian, Swedish, and Belgian co-produced TV series. In this series, Konstitucijos Avenue stands in as a chaotic Stockholm invaded by aliens.

Lithuanian director Dovilė Gasiūnaitė also shot scenes for her new film Danka near the White Bridge. These included a complex sequence with two hot air balloons soaring at a former launch site, supported by a team of 60 Lithuanian film professionals and world-renowned stunt experts.