Menas Theatre in Panevėžys: an intimate theatre in the building of the city's first cinema

Why Menas Theatre is distinctive

Menas is a small repertory theatre run by Panevėžys City Municipality near the edge of the historic centre. Its scale creates a closer relationship between performers and audiences than a large auditorium, and work for children, young people, and families remains an important part of its programme.

Arrive a little early to see more than the stage. The building embodies over a century of entertainment history in Panevėžys, while a memorable Don Quixote sculpture occupies its courtyard. Early cinema, live theatre, and contemporary public sculpture consequently meet at one address.

From Iliuzija cinema to Menas

A history of Vasario 16-osios Street prepared by the Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library dates the present number 19 to 1909. It was the first building in Panevėžys specifically adapted for cultural use.

The city's first cinema, Iliuzija, opened here in 1910. The building was reconstructed in 1939 and the cinema was renamed Menas, meaning Art. That name survived the later change of purpose, so the theatre's title preserves the memory of its cinematic predecessor.

A theatre for children and young people moved into the building in 1991. Menas is therefore worth seeing for more than its current productions: this is a rare place where the changing culture of public entertainment can be traced physically from early cinema to the contemporary stage.

The theatre's foundation and artistic direction

Panevėžys City Municipality records 1 October 1991 as the theatre's foundation date and names the municipality as its founder. Director Julius Dautartas and artist Kęstutis Vaičiulis developed the original idea of a professional stage addressed to the city's younger generation.

The first performance followed in December 1991. Productions for adults joined the programme over the following decades, but the theatre's initial commitment to young spectators remains central to its identity. When choosing a show, check the recommended age in the official programme rather than relying on the title alone.

Don Quixote in the courtyard

The courtyard Don Quixote was created by sculptor Henrikas Orakauskas, with the architectural element designed by Zita Godzevičiūtė-Mankienė. According to the Virtual Panevėžys Region gallery, the brass work dates from 2003 and was formally unveiled on 30 April.

The lean knight with his long lance suits a theatre as an emblem of imagination, idealism, and transformation. Julius Dautartas initiated the project, while the Ekranas company of the time presented the sculpture to the city. It can be seen from the courtyard, although the entrance area is naturally busier around performance times.

Tickets, box office, and planning a visit

Dates, starting times, age recommendations, and ticket prices vary from one production to another, so check the theatre's official programme before travelling. On 27 July 2026, the information page listed box-office hours as Tuesday-Friday 11:00-15:00, Saturday 17:00-18:00, and Sunday 11:00-12:00. Holiday periods, tours, or repertory breaks can change that schedule.

The address is 19 Vasario 16-osios Street. The exact Google Maps listing marks the theatre entrance and showed 4.7 out of 5 from 218 reviews on 27 July 2026. Ratings, box-office hours, and ticket prices are all changeable, so confirm the final details on the official theatre website.