1944 vs 2026

Vilnius 🇱🇹

The former bank building was severely damaged in July 1944 and was completely destroyed and razed to the ground in the post-war period, during the 1950s–60s.

The buildings on Vokiečių Street still had strong exterior walls after the war and could have been repaired. But, like everything beautiful, they were doomed by the new Soviet authorities, who decided to demolish them and widen Vokiečių Street, turning it into a broad boulevard. In 1969, the Palace of Art Exhibitions was built on the site of the former bank; since 1992- the Contemporary Art Centre.