Source: https://datos.kvb.lt/en/periods/1944-1990/
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 13:58:16+00:00

Document:
01.08.1944 the second Soviet occupation started in Kaunas.
Soviet soldiers are raising the flag in the tower of Kaunas castle. 31.07.1944.
Military parade in Kaunas (to commemorate the anniversary of the October Revolution). The lorry with mortars “Katiūša” is passing the platform. 07.11.1945.
07.08.1944 ‘‘Metalas’’ factory started working (was established in 1879, in Šančiai) and in 1949 was reconstructed.
In 1961 it was renamed to ‘‘J. Greifenbergerio santechnikos dirbinių gamykla’’. In 1979 the factory was awarded with the Order of the Badge of Honour. In 1991 it was reorganized and known as Kaunas State Company ‘‘Metalas’’ and in 1999 the company went bankrupt and privatized.
A factory of wire, nails and other metal production ‘‘Vestfalija’’ (beginning of the century).
The photo of a factory after the war.
The plumbing products factory of the Order of the Badge of Honour. 1979.
The department of the factory after a reconstruction. 1982.
1944–1950 Symbols of Lithuanian statehood (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Statue of Liberty and other sculptures) were destroyed in the garden of Military History museum (in Lithuanian Kariškai istorinis muziejus).
They were gradually replaced by the monuments which represented the ideology of USSR.
01.01.1945 a State publishing house of educational literature was established (K. Donelaičio St. 2A, since 1947 – K. Donelaičio St. 6) which since 12.02.1964 was known as ‘‘Šviesa’’.
In 1972 it was relocated to new premises in Lenino Street (present Vytauto Ave. 25). In 1995 it was reorganized to a Joint Stock Company. In 2002 the publishing house ‘‘Alma Littera’’ purchased a controlling stake in of the ‘‘Šviesa’’ and in 2006 the publishing house was relocated to new premises in E. Ožeškienės Street 10.
The copy of the establishment document of the State publishing house of educational literature.
During the first year (1945) the publishing house released 26 publications. The list includes the primer book ‘‘Saulutė’’ (elementorius) by Čiplis and Pupeikis. The book had over 20 editions.
The building where the publishing house ‘‘Šviesa’’ was established during 1972–2006.
The new building of the publishing house “Šviesa” (E. Ožeškienės g. 10). 2008.
Pedagoginės literatūros leidykloje : ištrauka iš rašomos knygos “Universiteto kiemas”. – Portr. // Žurnalistai apie laiką ir save. – Kaunas, 2008. – P. 222–234.
28.02.1945 a prosthesis-orthopaedic factory was established (K. Donelaičio St. 75B).
In 1972 the company moved to new premises in Onuškio street 17 (cur. Partizanų Str.). In 1990 the factory was reorganized and the company ‘‘Ortopedijos technika’’ (‘‘The Orthopaedic Technics’’) was established. In the year 2000 the company was privatized.
AB „Ortopedijos technika“. – Prieiga per internetą. URL: http://www.ortopedija.lt/index.php/lt/40035/. – Žiūrėta 2011 m. rugpjūčio 25 d.
02.09.1945 the Lithuanian National Institute of Physical Education was founded.
It originated from the Higher Courses of Physical Education which was functioning during the period of 1934–1938. The institute was established in the Palace of the Physical Education. In 1999 it was renamed to the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education (LKKA). LKKA is an institution of a higher education which provides a training for teachers of physical education, sports coaches and other qualified specialists. In 2012 it was renamed to the Lithuanian Sports University.
01.11.1945 the first issue of the newspaper Kaunas Truth (Lithuanian: “Kauno tiesa”) was published.
The title of the publication changed several times. On 17.06.1992, the newspaper was named Kaunas Daily (Lithuanian: “Kauno diena”).
1945 Kaunas machine-tool factory was founded. At first, it was called “garage”, later – Kaunas Engine Repair Factory.
In 1971, the factory received “Garbės ženklas” medal. In 1981, Felix Dzerzhinsky machine tool manufacturing association was established. In 1992, it became a state owned enterprise called Koordinatė, later – JSC “Kauno staklės”.
1945 a textile-haberdashery company ‘‘Pakaita’’ (Jovarų St. 5) was founded.
In 1991 he company was detached from the textile factory ‘‘Silva’’ and was reorganized to a joint stock company.
1945 Technikum of Celluloses-Paper Industry was founded.
In 1953 it was renamed to the Technikum of Wood Processing and in 1963 – to Kaunas Technikum of Technologies. In 1991 it was reformed to Kaunas Higher School of Technology.
01.02.1946 the Oncology Dispensary was established (then Lenin Ave. 59, in the building of Latvian Representative Office).
In 1954 the dispensary moved to the premises in Maironis St. 30. In February of 1985 it launched working in the new building in Volunge St. 16 (architect L. Mazeikiene).
In 2006 the dispensary became branch of the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) Kauno klinikos the Hospital of Oncology.
27.06.1991 the sculpture “The Angel of Hope” in the area of dispensary was consecrated (sculptor A. Svencionis).
1946 Pažaislis, Lampėdžiai and Veršvai were incorporated into the city, on 01.01.1948 – Petrašiūnai settlement.
1946 Kaunas Cooperative Technikum ‘‘Lietkoopsąjunga’’ was established.
In 1964 the technikum was reorganized into Kaunas Extramural Cooperative Technikum.
In 1991 it was reorganized into Kaunas Commercial Cooperative School, which in 1995 was renamed to Kaunas Higher School of Cooperation.
In 2001 the school was reorganized and merged with Vilnius Cooperative College.
1946 Kaunas 7th Hospital was established.
In 1965, its name was changed into Kaunas 2nd Hospital. The hospital was re-named Clinical Hospital in 1972. 2011 after it was merged with the Red Cross Clinical Hospital, it was renamed to Kaunas Clinical Hospital.
1947 m. the Lithuanian Academy of Agriculture (functioning since 23.09.1924) was relocated from Dotnuva to Kaunas.
In 1949 the faculty of Forestry (relocated from Vilnius along with four departments) and Raudondvaris nursery garden are attached and merged with the academy. On 10.02.1964the academy was moved to a new campus in Noreikiškės. During the period of 1969–1989 the Akademija campus was being expanded. 08.10.1996 the Academy was renamed to the Lithuanian University of Agriculture. On 28.06.2011 the name of Aleksandras Stulginskis was granted to the university.
The former building of the main department of the Lithuanian Academy of Agriculture in Kaunas (Kęstučio St. 27).
The scheme of the campus. 1957.
The campus of the academy in Noreikiškės.1968.
The campus of the academy in Noreikiškės. 2010.
1947 Žalgiris basketball team (formed 1944) won first gold medals in the Soviet Union Championship, held in Tbilisi.
Žalgiris also became the champion in 1951. In 1949 and 1952, the team won silver, 1953 – bronze medals and Soviet Union Championship Cup. In 1953 and 1954, it became the champion of USSR winter games. The next solid victory of the team was achieved only after 28 years.
16.11.1948 V. Kapsukas-Mickevičius Printing House was established after the printing house ‘‘Šviesa’’ and the National Fabric of Paper Products & Lithography were merged together.
In 1989 the printing house was renamed to ‘‘Aušra’’ and in 2003 the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Aušra’’ became a part of the Concern Company ‘‘Achemos grupė’’.
V. Kapsukas-Mickevičius Printing House (Vytauto Ave. 23).
The newspaper ‘‘Kauno diena’’ is being printed in V. Kapsukas-Mickevičius Printing House.
14.07.1949 Algirdas Šocikas and Nikolaj Koroliov fought for the gold medal in the USSR Boxing Championship, held in the Kaunas Sports Hall.
The victory was controversially attributed to Korovliov. This fact provoked riots and fights with police. After the appeals, the additional match in Moscow was assigned. On 28th of December, Nikolaj Koroliov won the additional match. Algirdas Šocikas revenged on him in Moscow on 03.19.1951. During the final of the USSR Championship he defeated Koroliov and won the gold medal.
01.10.1950 Kaunas Regional Library was established and since 1953 it is known was Kaunas Regional Public Library.
After the National Republican Library (present Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania) was relocated to Vilnius therefore Kaunas Public Library was responsible for the city’s cultural activities. In 1980 the library was granted the name of Justas Paleckis and in 1995 it became Kaunas County Public Library (KCPL). The library is a member of the Lithuanian Integrated Library Information System (LIBIS), Lithuanian Research Library (LMBA) and a member of the County Libraries association. Moreover, KCPL stores the second copy of the national published documents archive.
KCPL started working in the former premises of Trade, Industry and Craft Palace (K. Donelaičio St. 8). 20th century 60s.
The construction of the new Kaunas Public Library. 1987.
On 07.09.1987 the new building is opened (Radastų St. 2). The granite sculpture by Venskūnienė called ‘‘Rytas’’ (‘‘The Morning’’). 2010.
31.10.1950 Kaunas Polytechnic Institute (KPI) was founded.
It originated from the Program of Higher Studies established in 1920 which later was reorganized and now is known as Vytautas Magnus University. In 1960 the construction of KPI campus was started. In 1970 it was named after Antanus Sniečkus and in 1990 KPI was renamed to Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Later the University became a member of European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI). Now the University includes 10 faculties, 15 centres and institutes (one in Panevėžys) and it is the largest technical University in the Baltic States.
31.12.1950 Kaunas University Faculty of Medicine was reorganized to Kaunas Medical Institute.
In 1989 it was called Kaunas Medical Academy (KMA). Based on functional purposes in 1990 Kaunas Academic Clinic was merged with the Academy and in 1995 both with Ministry of Health it becomes the promoter of the Clinic. In 1991 Endocrinology Institute and Cardiology Institute were functioning again. Moreover, in 1992 Psychophysiology and Rehabilitation Institute was founded and Biomedical Institute was reorganized. In KMA there are faculties of Medicine, Odontology, Pharmacy, Nursing and Social Health. Since 01.07.1998 KMA is known as Kaunas University of Medicine (KMU), since 2010 – Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Medical Academy.
1950 the factory of metal productions called ‘‘Nemunas’’ was established (instead of a nationalized company ‘‘Neris’’).
In 1977 a manufacturing association ‘‘Nemunas’’ was established and the factory of consumer products called ‘‘Pirmūnas’’ was incorporated. In 1989 it was reorganized to a Joint Stock company and in 2002 it went bankrupt. In 2003 it was bought by ‘‘Mechel’’ and a Joint Stock company ‘‘Mechel Nemunas’’ was established. Today it is the biggest producer of wire, nails and wire mesh in the Baltic region.
The Joint Stock company „Mechel Nemunas“ (R. Kalantos st. 83). 2010.
The production of the Joint Stock company ‘‘Nemunas’’.
1950–1953 – residential district was built in the Karalius Mindaugas Quay (until 1988 known as Pergalės Quay; architect Jokūbas Peras).
It was the first response to the intensive urbanization process and an attempt to solve the problem of accommodation.
20.03.1951 Petras Cvirka Memorial Museum was opened (founded in 1948).
In 1991 it was closed. In 1962, Salomėja Neris Memorial Museum was founded in Palemonas. It was renovated in 2004. On 01.10.1966 a branch of Kaunas Public Library and Balys Sruoga Memorial Museum were founded in Žaliakalnis. On the 01.06.1993 Balys Sruoga Memorial Museum became a branch of Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum. In 1997, it was named Balys and Vanda Sruogos Memorial House-Museum. In 1989, Juozas Grušas Memorial Museum was opened in Žalaikalnis. In 2001, after major repairs, permanent exposition was arranged in it.
Salomėja Neris Memorial Museum (S. Neries St. 7, Palemonas).
Juozas Grušas Memorial Museum (Kalniečių St. 93). 2005.
1951 Kaunas Secondary School of Applied Arts was established in the former premises of the Art School.
In 1954, it was named after Steponas Žukas. In 1959, it was reformed into technical school. In 1989, it was changed its status into Kaunas Higher Art School. In 2001, it was incorporated into Kaunas College and named Justinas Vienožinskis Art Studies Centre. In 2003, it became Justinas Vienožinskis Faculty of Arts.
1952 Kaunas 3rd Hospital was established in Aukštieji Šančiai.
The hospital was renamed Clinical Hospital in 1972. In 2002, Public institution Kaunas Christian Maternity Hospital was attached to the 3rd Hospital and the hospital was named Kaunas County Hospital, public institution.
1952 a subdivision of the ‘‘Kauno audiniai’’ was established in Vilijampolė which was reorganized to silk & plush complex in 1956.
1961 the complex was given the name of P. Zibertas Complex. In 1966 it was renamed to ‘‘P. Ziberto Darbo raudonosios vėliavos ordino šilko kombinatas’’ (‘‘P. Zibertas-Silk Factory Bearer of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour’’). 1993 the company became a Joint Stock Company ‘‘Šilkas’’ which not only was the biggest manufacturer of silk products in Lithuania but also participated in a number of international fairs as well as exported the production to other countries. 2002 the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Šilkas’’ went bankrupt.
The Complex of ‘‘P. Zibertas-Silk Factory Bearer of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour’’.
The cech of the Complex of ‘‘P. Zibertas-Silk Factory Bearer of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour’’. Circa 1973.
Nėr to blogo, kuris neišeitų į gerą : [apie AB “Šilkas”] / Virginija Skučaitė. – Iliustr. // Kauno diena. – 1997, spalio 27, p. 20.
1953 Kaunas Radio Works (also known as ‘‘Kauno radijo fabrikas’’) was established.
On 08.02.1952 Stalin had signed a precept ordering to establish a radio factory in the Resurrection Church (Žemaičių St. 31) which was not even furnished yet. On 19.06.1956 the first tube television switches were manufactured and in 1973 the first portable, B&W type TVs called ‘‘Šilelis’’ were manufactured. Since 1980 the factory is called the Association of Television Works ‘‘Banga’’ which was privatized in 1993. In April of 1995 the company went bankrupt.
During the Soviet regime the Resurrection Church and the new outbuilding was a property of the ‘‘Banga’’ Radio Factory. Around 1980.
The front of the former administrative and manufacturing premises of the ‘‘Banga’’ factory (Savanorių Ave. 64). Around 1980.
On 08.05.1970 a subdivision of the factory was established in the industrial part of the city. (Draugystės St. 19).
Usually the TVs ‘‘Šilelis’’ were exported to the socialist countries and England. In addition, they were extremely popular in Russia.
Auksinės vestuvės “Šilelio” gimtinėje / Aldona Kibirkštienė. – Iliustr. // Kauno diena. – 2008, rugpjūčio 16, p. 10. – Taip pat žr.: Prieiga per internetą. URL: http://kauno.diena.lt/dienrastis/miestas/sentimentai-lietuviskam-sileliui-107881. – Žiūrėta 2010 m. gegužės 14 d.
1953 Kaunas Technikum of Food Industry was founded.
In 1991 the technikum was reorganized into Kaunas Higher School of Food Industry.
1953 the Odontology Clinic was opened (reconstructed in 1982 by architect I. Likšienė’s project).
1974 the Dainava Medical Clinic was opened (1971–1973 it was under construction) and in 1984 — the Kalniečiai Medical Clinic (1981–1983 it was under construction).
1954 Kaunas Technikum of Statistics was founded.
In 1963 it was reorganized into Kaunas Technikum of Economics and in 1991 – into Kaunas Higher School of Economics. In 2000 it was merged with Kaunas Higher School of Technology and the institution is now known as Kaunas College.
1955–1959Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant, the largest power plant in Lithuania, which is using renewable resources, was built.
At the end of 1961, it was put into service. The formation of the largest artificial water reservoir called Kaunas Reservoir (former called “the sea”) started during the construction work of the power plant. 24.11.2014 Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant was officially titled after the former President Algirdas Brazauskas.
after ‘‘Kaunas Bus and Taxi Park’’ (functioned since 1950) was reorganized into two independent companies.
The new premises of Kaunas Taxi Park while under construction (project by the architect K. Vytas and the engineer V. Poškienė).
In 1978 the complex of the Taxi Park was built (Vilijampolė, Betygalos St. 2).
The line of passengers in the taxi stop by the Train Station.
The taxi stop by the Nepriklausomybės Square (former J. Biliūno Square) was one of the most popular taxi stops.
01.11.1956 a commemoration of the All Soul‘s Day was initiated and organized by students.
The event took place at the monument for the soldiers who perished for Lithuania‘s Independence at the Old Cemetery (present Ramybės Park). The event turned into an anti-soviet manifest and included about 4000 participants (85 got arrested).
01.11.1957 people started gathering at the monument in the Military Cemetery, however the crowd was disbanded. Nevertheless, the following day about 2500 supporters gathered at the event (102 got arrested).
Monument ‘‘Žuvome dėl Tėvynės’’ (‘‘We Perished for the Motherland’’). 2008.
1959 (based on the previous incidents during the All Soul‘s Day) the government came to a decision to close the cemetery and turn its territory into a recreation ground. 2010.
20.03.1957 Kaunas Dairy Centre was established.
In 1964 the exploitation of department of dairy mixtures for children was started. In 1972 the exploitation of the new dairy in Kaunas was started. In 1986 the Kaunas Dairy Centre included the dairies of Kaunas, Jonava, Kaišiadorys,Babtai, 4 butter manufacturing plants (Alytus, Jurbarkas, Prienai and Raseiniai), Kėdainiai cheese manufacturing plant and a transport company. In 1995 it was reorganized to a Joint Stock Company ‘‘Kauno Pienas’’. In 2001 was reorganized by incorporating it into JSC “Pieno Žvaigždės” and now it is a subdivision of the company. In 2003 it was reconstructed.
The Kaunas Dairy Centre. 1978.
The Kaunas branch of JSC “Pieno Žvaigždės”. (Taikos av. 90). 2010 .
1957 concerts of the renovated carillon (installed in 1937) started in the garden of Kaunas State Historical Museum.
11.09.1960 the Kaunas State Puppet Theatre started working (KSPT).
The theatre was founded by the actors Stanislovas Ratkevičius and Valerija Ratkevičienė and during the period between 1958 and 1960 the theatre was established in Kapsukas (present Marijampolė). In 1994 the Kaunas Puppet Theatre Museum was founded.
The main hall of the theatre. 2010.
The founders of the theatre: Stanislovas Ratkevičius and Valerija Ratkevičienė. 1998.
The facade of the theatre. 2009.
The educational event in Kaunas Puppet Theatre Museum hosted by the head of the museum Žekienė. 2007.
A photo of the event ‘‘To the Fairyland with a photo camera’’. 2009.
A moment of the international festival ‘‘Let the Puppets and Children Smile Together!’’. 2006.
1960 the Dainava and the Petrašiūnai underwent a massive expansion of the residential and the industrial districts.
It was a step into the city’s urbanization. During the period of 1959–1979 the number of Kaunas residents increased from 214300 to 378800. The construction of the Dainava, which by then already was the biggest residential district in Kaunas, was finished in 1988 and on the eve of the independence there were about 115000 residents in the area.
The map of the Dainava residential district.
Birds—eye view of the Petrašiūnai. 2010.
In 1975 ‘‘Spalio 50-mečio dirbtinio pluošto’’ (October’s 50th anniversary artificial fibre factory) Culture and Sports Palace was opened (present Culture and Sports Centre ‘‘Girstutis’’). 2010.
Nation Friendship Park (established in 1972). 1980.
The Park of the 11th of March (established in 1974). 2010.
1961 Kaunas Travel and Excursion Agency was founded.
In 1991 it was named the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Pilis“ and in 1992 it was reorganized to a tourist company ‘‘Migrovė’’ which was liquidated in 2001.
The excursion busses at the City Hall (around 1980).
The premises (Rotušės Sq. 11) of the Travel and Excursion Agency. 2010.
The premises of the „Migrovė“ in Laisvės alley 88. 2001.
The former premises of the „Migrovė“ today. 2010.
1961 an orchestra of the wind instruments was formed and in 1973 the orchestra was given the name of ‘‘Ąžuolynas’’.
Since the 2002 the annual National Wind Orchestra Festival “Padūduokim Kaunui” (“Let’s Pipe To Kaunas“) has been organized in Kaunas.
August 1962 “Žalgiris’’ Sports Palace (architects A. Zeidotas, V. Dičius; K. Baršausko St. 66) and “Žalgiris’’ Stadium were finished.
In 2003 the territory of “Žalgiris’’ Stadium was divided into two parts: in the South part of the area “Žalgiris’’ Sports Complex (architect Janulytė–Bernotienė) was built and in the Northern one — the shopping centre “Molas”.
The project of the Sports Palace (architects A. Zeidotas, V. Dičius).
24.10.1962 Kaunas cast-iron foundry ‘‘Centrolitas’’ (R. Kalantos St. 49) was founded in Petrašiūnai.
It is currently known as ‘‘KKL investicijų valdymas’’.
Kaunas cast-iron foundry ‘‘Centrolitas’’. 1987.
04.11.1962 after the torch run by natural gas was lit, the installation of the gas pipeline was started in the rest of Kaunas.
The construction of the pipeline network was started in 1960 in Aukštieji Amaliai and in 1963 the administration premises were built (Chemijos Ave. 4). Moreover, the thermal power plant in Petrašiūnai and the Radio Works were the first ones to use the natural gas.
The administration premises of the gas installation works in Kaunas.1987.
The department of ‘‘Lietuvos dujos’’ in Kaunas. 2010.
02.08.1963 Kaunas Thermal Network Company was founded.
In 1991 the company was renamed – “Lietuvos valstybinės energetikos sistemos filialas Kauno Šilumos tinklai”. On 15.08.1997, after reorganizing JSC “Lietuvos energija” on the base of its subsidiaries Kaunas Power Station and “Kauno šilumos tinklai”, a special purpose joint-stock company “Kauno energija” was established (since 2000 – JSC “Kauno energija”).
in April of 1970 the tank was moved at the 6th fort (ostensibly the one of the first tanks which entered Kaunas city).
1964 the faculty of general education was established in Vilnius University and in 1966 – the faculty of the evening studies, which in 1984 was relocated to one of the oldest neighbourhoods of the Old Town.
It is the only VU faculty located in another city. Moreover, it was a department of the humanities and was established in order to equalize the state of Kaunas higher education (there was a dominance of technical educational institutions). In 1989 the full-time studies became available and the university was renamed to Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities. It became Kaunas Faculty of Vilnius University (KFVU) since 2017.
1964 the Experimental White Ware Ceramics Factory ‘‘Jiesia’’ was officially founded.
However, its origin dates back to 1938 when the factory in Vilijampolė ‘‘Š. Zalberio koklių ir keramikos fabrikas’’ was still functioning. In 1974 an experimental laboratory of bone china was founded in the factory and in 1980 the china department was opened. In 2006 the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Kauno Jiesia’’ was founded.
In the Laboratory of China. 1978.
In end of 1978 there were 10 employees working in the Kaunas Laboratory of China.
A tableware produced in the Experimental White Ware Ceramics Factory. 1984.
Joint Stock Company ‘‘Jiesia’’ (Chemijos st. 29). 2010.
1964 the Kleboniškis Bridge (the right one) across the Neris was opened.
The second bridge was built in 1981. The bridge is 348.7 metres in length and is located in the Northern part of Kaunas. In 2012 the bridge was named after Alfonsas Meškinis.
31.12.1965 the first trolley started to run the route Panemunė–Old Town.
In 1964, the Trolleybus Directorate (later known as Kaunas Trolleybus Management) was established. On 04.04.1991, it was reorganized into the company “Kaunas Trolleybus Park.” On 14.07.2000, it became “Autrolis” which became a part of “Kaunas Buses” on 01.04.2014.
On 22.12.1965 a new trolley line was tested.
1965 the Factory of the Artificial Fibre was founded.
In 1992 the factory was privatized and became a company. In 1998 a secondary joint-stock company ‘‘Korelita’’ was founded (a joint company of the ‘‘Dirbtinis pluoštas’’ and Korea). In 2008 the ‘‘Dirbtinis pluoštas’’ bankrupted.
The Factory of the Artificial Fibre. 1978 m.
1965 the first international ballroom dancing contest "Amber Couple" (Lithuanian: “Gintarinė pora”) was organized. The contest is organized until our days.
1965 the first annual traditional festival Poetry Spring was organized.
At first the festival took place in Kaunas Valley of Songs then was relocated to Palemonas Valley of Nightingales (by the Salomėja Neris house). In 1995 the opening ceremony of the festival was relocated to Kaunas Old Town and later – to the inner yard of Maironis Museum.
One of the events of the ‘‘Poetry Spring“ in Palemonas. 2010.
The ‘‘Poetry Spring“ festival in the inner yard of Maironis Museum. 2010.
1965, the interior of the Kaunas Garrison Church was reconstructed and the Gallery of Stained Glass and Sculpture was established (was closed in 1991) (architects A. Mikėnas and R. Dičius).
1966 the hippie and the hiker movements were active (the both believed in a different realization of the value system).
The most active organizations were musical orchard group called ‘‘Company’’ and the KPI group called ‘‘Ąžuolas’’, which had about 50 members. Meanwhile, the main goal of the hiking trips was to visit historically significant places in Lithuania, celebrate national festivals and other activities.
The group ‘‘Company“at the fountain. 20th century, 80s.
1966 the only Devil’s Museum in the world was founded.
Currently it is a subdivision of M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum and contains a unique collection of more than 3000 exhibits. The collection was started by the artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius.
The Devil’s Museum (V. Putvinskio St. 64). 2005.
„Velnio piršlybos“ (‘‘Devil’s Proposal’’) a sculpture by Zubavičius.
1966 Romainiai Cemetery (1st) was opened.
In 1970 the 2nd Cemetery was opened.
The gate to the Romainiai Cemetery (1st). 2011.
The Romainiai Cemetery (2nd). 2011.
1966 the first wide-screen movie theatre ‘‘Planeta’’ was opened. In 1970 the movie theatre ‘‘Dainava’’ was opened and in 1977 – the movie theatre ‘‘Kaunas’’.
During the Soviet Times the cinema hall of the movie theatre ‘‘Planeta’’ (architects J. Navakas and L. Skromanas, V. Lenino Ave. 6, present Vytauto Ave.) was the biggest one in Kaunas.
In 1994 the movie theatre ‘‘Dainava’’ went bankrupt (architect Navakas, Pramonės Ave. 11). The movie theatre which was intended for children ‘‘Žvaigždutė’’ was also located next to the ‘‘Dainava’’.
The movie theatre ‘‘Kaunas“ (architect Navakas, Raudonosios armijos, present Savanorių Ave. 350).
1967 pantomime troupe lead by Modris Tenisons was relocated from Vilnius.
While staying in Kaunas the troupe organized 4 original performances, collaborated with the soloists, photographers, artists and, most importantly, was extremely significant regarding the artistic expression in the public life. In 1972 the troupe fell apart due to Kalanta’s sacrifice and the repression which followed the incident.
1967 the actor-director Kęstutis Adomaitis and others founded the Kaunas Pantomime Theatre. 1981 it was given the status of a professional theatre.
a café for children “Pasaka” (around 1960–1965), “Orbita” (1967), “Trys mergelės” (1967), “Pasimatymas” (1973), “Žalias kalnas” (1979), “Kaukas” (1982).
“Pasaka” is the first café in Lithuania and The Soviet Union which was designed for children (Laisvės Ave. 27). The Interior was designed and decorated by V. Ušinskaitė and F. Ušinskaitė.
23.10.1969 Kaunas County National Choir was established which was professional enough to join the Lithuanian National Philharmonic.
The head conductor of the choir was P. Bingelis.
1969 the store ‘‘Buitis’’ was opened, in 1982 – the store ‘‘Viešnagė’’, in 1986 – the store ‘‘Rėda’’.
The store ‘‘Buitis’’ (Lenino, present Vytauto Ave. 32, architect V. J. Dičius).
The store ‘‘Viešnagė’’ (TSRS 50-mečio, present V. Krėvės Ave. 43, architect K. Kisielius).
The store ‘‘Rėda’’ (TSRS 50-mečio, present V. Krėvės Ave. 49, architect E. Miliūnas). 2010.
1969 the Endocrine Preparations Factory (present Veiverių St. 134) was established.
It originated from the Kaunas Insulin Factory which was the property of the Meat Factory. In 2004 the stocks of the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Endokrininiai preparatai’’ was liquidated as well as the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Sanitas’’ begins the construction of a new pharmacy factory.
The Endocrine Preparations Factory. 1995.
In 2008 the Joint Stock Company ‘‘Sanitas“ is relocated to a new factory in Aleksotas. 2010.
1969 Kipras Petrauskas Memorial Museum was founded in Žaliakalnis (K. Petrausko St. 31).
However, the preparation of the exhibition took some time and was opened for visitors on 31.01.1977. In 1994 it was called the Mikas and Kipras Petrauskai Lithuanian Music Museum. Since 2006 it has been under a renovation.
The house of Mikas and Kipras Petrauskai (built in 1924; architect A. Golovinskis). In 2001 it was added to the Registry of the Real Estate’s (cultural) Heritage of the Republic of Lithuania.
During the reconstruction of the Museum. 2010.
17.04.1970 monument to Vladimir Lenin’s 100th birthday anniversary (sculptor N. Petrulis, architect K. Šešelgis) was unveiled in the Julius Janonis Square (present Vienybės Sq.).
On 06.08.1990 the monument was dismantled.
14.05.1972 Romas Kalanta immolated himself in the inner yard of the Musical Theatre in protest against the Soviet Occupation.
During the 18th and 19th of May there were demonstrations organized in the city centre. In May of 1973 a partly militarized situation was imposed in order to prevent the commemoration of Kalanta’s self—immolation act.
Romas Kalanta suicide note: ‘‘Only the governing system is to be blamed for my death’’.
On the day of Kalanta’s funeral there was a massive crowd of people flowing to the location of Kalanta’s death (Vilnius Street). 18.05.1972.
1972-ųjų Kauno pavasaris – “kalantinės”. – Iliustr., portr., faks. // Laisvės proveržiai sovietiniame Kaune : nuo slapto pogrindžio iki atviro protesto / [sudarytoja ir projekto vadovė Rimantė Tamoliūnienė]. – Kaunas : Kauno apskrities viešoji biblioteka, 2007. – P. 103–113.
27.12.1973 the monument for the commemoration of the Lithuanian revolutionary movement figures K. Požela, R. Čarna, K. Giedrys ir J. Greifenbergeris was unveiled at the Ramybės Park.
The remains of the movement figures were moved to the park from the garden of State History Museum. On 06.08.1990 the monument was dismantled.
1973 Kaunas Artists’ House was founded (S. Nėries St. 56, present V. Putvinskio St.).
The Kaunas Artists’ House — the professional arts centre. 2009.
Since 1998 The Kaunas Artists’ House has an annual event during which the most prominent Kaunas’ artist is chosen. The artist is immortalized in Stasys Žirgulis sculpture ‘‘Sparnuotoji kolona“ (‘‘The Winged Column’’). 2011.
In 1977 the Museum became a subdivision of the Mikas and Kipras Petrauskai Lithuanian Music Museum. 20.12.1984 was open for visitors; in 1994 the exhibition was renewed by adding new and unique archives.
Juozas Gruodis’ house built in 1932 (Architect F. Vizbaras).
Juozas Gruodis Memorial Museum. 2005.
1974–1985 the residential district Kalniečiai was being built.
The district now includes three block areas and on the eve of the Independence there were 31470 inhabitants. 1978-1980 the shopping centre ‘‘Vitebskas’’ was being built.
The former shopping centre „Vitebskas“ 2010.
The Kalniečiai Park which was founded in 1980.
26.09.1975 the Museum of Lithuanian Pharmacy was opened but its origins date back to 1937.
The Museum of Lithuania’s Ancient Chemists was founded as well as the first Public Pharmacy Museum in Lithuania was opened in 1964. In 1985 the Pharmacy Museum and the History of Medicine Museum were merged together. As a result, the Museum of the History of Lithuania Medicine and Pharmacy was founded.
1975 the Museum of Lithuanian Pharmacy was opened in the Central Building of Kaunas University of Medicine (A. Mickevičiaus St. 9). The event was initiated by A. Kaikaris.
The new premises of the Museum of the History of Lithuania Medicine and Pharmacy (Rotušės Sq. 28) in 1987. 2010.
1975 The Šiaučiūnaitė’s textile manufacturing association was formed (Raudondvario rd.).
It included the ‘‘Silva’’, Šiaučiūnaitė’s ‘‘Trikotažas’’ and the ‘‘Audimas’’ factories and their divisions with the ‘‘Silva’’ being the main company of the association. In 1990 the association was dissolved, whereas the ‘‘Audimas’’ (Raudondvario rd. 80) and the ‘‘Trikotažas’’ stay in business as separate factories.
The textile factory ‘‘Trikotažas“. About 1976.
The factory’s ‘‘Trikotažas“ manufacturing buildings. About 1980.
The textile factory ‘‘Silva“. 1978.
The textile factory ‘‘Audimas“. 1978.
1975 Kaunas Fossil Fuel-Power Station was opened.
In 1995 it became a part of Joint stock company ‘‘Lietuvos Energija’’ and in 1997 – Joint Stock company ‘‘Kauno Energija’’ Kaunas subdivision. In 2003 it was bought by Joint Stock Company Kaunas Fossil Fuel-Power Station which was establihshed by ‘‘Gazprom’’.
1975 a modern complex for the household service was opened.
The four storey building consists of 250 places for the stores. Since 1994 the complex is known as the Joint Stock Company Kaunas Household Palace also known as ‘‘Juzė’’.
1976 pedestrian bridge called “Three Maidens Bridge” across the river Nemunas was built.
The bridge connects Panemunės pinewood and A. and J. Gravrogkų Street in Gričiupis district. The length of the bridge is 388.5 meters. There a railroad, connecting Kaunas and Vilnius, runs under the bridge. In 2014 the bridge was officially titled the “Bridge of the Three Virgins”.
1976 Kaunas Chamber Theatre was established.
At first it was known as Kaunas Youth Musical Studio and in 1986 the theatre obtained the status of a professional theatre. After the event the name was changed to the present one.
18–25.04.1977 the theatre festival ‘‘Vaidiname darbininkams’’ (‘‘Performing for the employees’’) was opened in the ‘’Spalio 50-mečio dirbtinio pluošto’’ (October’s 50th anniversary artificial fibre factory) Culture and Sports Palace.
However, the name of the festival was changed for several times: 1992–1995 it was called ‘‘Pavasario varpeliai’’ (‘‘The bells of Spring’’) and since 1996 –‘‘Lietuvos teatrų pavasaris’’ (‘‘Lithuanian Theatre Spring’’).
The members of the academic drama theatre in the ‘‘Sanitas’’. 1982.
27.04.1977 a monument to Jonas Mačiulis—Maironis was unveiled at the City Hall (sculptor G. Jokūbonis, architect K. Šešelgis).
A monument to Maironis. 1981.
A monument to Maironis. 2004.
1978 The Kaunas Picture Gallery was built and an exposition was opened (architect Liucija Gedgaudienė and Jonas Navakas).
On the same year the Museum of Ceramics was opened in the cellars of the Town-hall.
1978–1981 the Palace of Ritual Services was being built (I. Meskupo St. 220, present Jonavos St.).
„Liūdesį“ siekiama palaidoti? – Iliustr. / Vereta Rupeikaitė, Tadas Širvinskas // Kauno diena. – 2010, balandžio 1, p. 2. – Prieiga per internetą. URL: http://kauno.diena.lt/dienrastis/miestas/kulturos-vertybe-liudesi-siekiama-palaidoti-270551. – Žiūrėta 2010 m. gruodžio 2 d.
1978–1985 the Eiguliai residential district was being built. (Architect S. Lukošius and G. Miškinienė).
The Eiguliai residential district while under construction. 1983.
1983 a new cinema called ‘’Eiguliai’’ was built in the residential district (Architect N. Blaževičiūtė).
The opening of the Eiguliai School. 1983.
A part of Eiguliai. 2010.
27.01.1979 a monument to the Komsomol members who perished for Soviet government in Lithuania was unveiled in the Sąjungos Square (sculptor S. Šarapovas, architects G. Baravykas and V. Vielius).
On 28.11.1991 the monument was removed.
In 1974 the construction of the monument was started.
1979 the Memorial Museum was founded in Stasys Šimkus‘ house in Birutė (Aleksotas, Bitininkų St. 45).
The museum’s exhibition was renewed during the commemoration of the 100th birthday anniversary of the composer in 1987. However, due to the building’s crashing condition, in 1996 the exhibition was relocated to the Mikas and Kipras Petrauskai Lithuanian Music Museum in Kaunas (K. Petrausko St. 31). In 2006 the composer’s sons, who lived in America, inherited the homestead and granted it to the Jesuit gymnasium.
Šimkus’ house in Birutė. 1930.
1980 Vytautas Andziulis with the help of his colleague Juozas Bacevičius established a secret printing press called “ab” (the name originates from the first letters of their surnames).
The printing press was located in Vytautas Andziulis homestead (Kaunas district, the village of Saliai) and was legalized in 1991.
1980 Birutė Letukaitė founded studio of professional dance which had evolved into a professional dance theatre ‘‘Aura’’.
In 1989 Birutė Letukaitė initiated the first contemporary dance festival in Kaunas. In 1995‘‘Aura’’ is officially registered as a state theatre.
Choreography performance by Birutė Letukaitė (in the centre) called ‘‘Pavasaris’’ (spring). 1981.
Choreography performance ‘‘Tabula Rasa’’ by choreographer Barbara Bourget. 2007. A performance in Vancouver International Dance Festival (Canada).
1981 the yacht club ‘‘Žalgiris’’ (architect D. Petkelienė) was being built by the Kaunas Reservoir at Pažaislis.
1982 after the reconstruction which started in 1977 by architects A. Paulauskas and V. Paleckienė, Laisvės Avenue became a pedestrian zone.
01.03.1983 the department of SSR Museum of Lithuanian Folk Instruments was established.
On 01.07.1989 the department of Lithuanian Folk Instruments at Lithuanian Folklife Museum was reorganized into Museum of Lithuanian Folk Instruments which was under the local subordinate.
On 29.03.1995 the museum was named after Povilas Stulga.
1983 the Museum of Sport Aviation is opened in the Young Technician Station (A. Mickevičiaus St. 2).
19.02.1990 it was renamed to ‘‘Lietuvos technikos muziejus’’ (‘‘the Lithuanian Technology Museum’’) and is operating in Darius and Girėnas airfield (Veiverių St. 132). In 1995 it was renamed again and now it is known as the Lithuanian Aviation Museum.
The airfield, present Lithuanian Aviation Museum. Circa 1980.
The veterans of Lithuanian Aviation Association Kaunas Division. 2005.
The Lithuanian Aviation Museum is established in the former premises of ‘‘Aerouostas’’ (‘’The Airport’’). 1989.
1983 Varniai bridge across the river Neris was built.
The length of the bridge is 328 meters.
1983–1989 the basketball teams Kaunas ‘‘Žalgiris’’ and PBC CSKA Moscow were competing in the Soviet Union National League championship finals.
1985 – 1987 Žalgiris won the gold medals. Moreover, the games served as the manifestation of the patriotism.
In 1984 ‘‘Žalgiris’’ won the silver medal in the USSR championship.
Kaunas ‘‘Žalgiris’’ team — the champion in the USSR championship. 1985.
1986 Kaunas ‘‘Žalgiris’’ team — the champion in the USSR championship.
1985–1987 the champions were congratulated by the leaders of the Communist Party and the Lithuania SSR.
Ketvirtą kartą čempionai! – Iliustr. // Šalies ir Europos aikštelėse : Kauno “Žalgirio” krepšininkų 1985–1986 m. sezonas / Semionas Tokeris, Vytautas Zeliukas … [et al.]. – Kaunas, 1987. – P. 6–26.
1984 the Karmėlava Cemetery was opened.
It was based on the project by the architect A. Mockaitis.
The Old Karmėlava Cemetery. 2010.
The New Karmėlava Cemetery. 2010.
1984–1990 m. the Šilainiai residential district was being built.
N. Lukošienė, S. Lukošius, L. Veselienė — the employees of the City Building Design Institute by the future project of the Šilainiai residential district.
A birds-eye-view of Šilainiai residential districts. 2010.
A birds-eye-view of Vilijampolė and Šilainiai residential districts. 2010.
1986 the Ąžuolynas Park was given the status of a Nature Monument of national Importance.
In 2006 it was added to the register of National Cultural Heritage. 02.04.2016 a postage stamp “Tourism in Lithuania. Kaunas Azuolynas” (artist Dorota Gribauske) was released.
The Ąžuolynas Park in Kaunas. 2009.
There is a number of ancient oaks in the Ąžuolynas Park. 2009.
01.11.1987 an unauthorized rally in commemoration of Maironis 125th birthday anniversary was held at Maironis’ Tomb.
16. 02. 1988 – an unauthorized by the government commemoration for the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania was held in the Old town.
The prelate’s Jonas Mačiulis-Maironis mausoleum at the churchyard of Kaunas Arch-Cathedral Basilica (architect S. Kudokas, sculptor B. Bučas). 2004.
In 1987 a rally against censorship was held. During the rally the priest R. Grigas and other participants demanded the Lithuania’s statehood to be re-established.
1987 the biggest hotel in Kaunas ‘‘Neris’’ was built (was put into service in 1988).
In 1997 the hotel was renamed to ‘‘Takioji Neris’’.
In 2008 the hotel was reconstructed and was called ‘‘Reval Hotel Neris’’.
In 2010 the hotel was renamed to ‘‘Park Inn Kaunas’’.
10.06.1988 The Initiative group of the Lietuvos Persitvarkymo Sąjūdis (eng. The Reform Movement of Lithuania) for Kaunas zone was elected in the Architects’ house (Vilniaus St. 22).
1988 08 01 the first issue of the “Kauno aidas” (a newspaper of the political organization Sąjūdis) was published. The newspaper was being published irregularly until 1998.
1988 08 02 Sąjūdis and the members of the Kaunas Green Movement “Atgaja” (founded 1987 07 16) organised a protest rally for ecology at the confluence of the Nemunas and the Neris.
1989 08 22 LPS (Reform Movement of Lithuania) organized a rally to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and its consequences. It took place at the confluence of the Nemunas and the Neris. The plan and the information for the locals about the action “Baltijos kelias”.
2008 06 10 the memorials were presented at the former headquarters of Kaunas Sąjūdis (Vilniaus St. 22 and K. Donelaičio St. 38). 2010.
01.07.1988 airport of civil aviation was opened in Karmėlava.
In 1994 gained a status of International Airport.
1988 Simonas Daukantas pedestrian bridge to the Nemunas Island was built (architect A. Sprindys).
1988 the renovation of the inner yard and the monuments of the National Museum of History (present Vytautas the Great War Museum) was started. The renovation project was created by the architect A. Sprindys.
16.02.1989 the first public commemoration of the Lithuanian Independence Day during the Soviet Times was held. The event took place in the inner yard of the National Museum of History and the Statue of Liberty was unveiled. 2009.
16. 02. 1990 the Monument for Victims of Fight for Freedom of Lithuania was reconstructed. 2009.
23.11.1990 the Remains of an Unknown Soldier were reburied. 2009.
After the inner yard of the museum had been renovated, a bronze plaque was embedded in the crossing of the major walking lanes. 2010.
30.06.1989 the Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery was opened (architects E. Miliūnas, K. Kisielius and S. Juškys; Nepriklausomybės Square 12).
It is a subdivision of the Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis National Art Museum and is named after a famous collector Mykolas Žilinskas (1904–1992). Moreover, the exhibitions of the most valuable works from M. Žilinskas collection as well as the Čiurlionis National Art Museum’s foreign art collection are held here.
Mykolas Žilinskas Art Gallery 2010.
26.07–10.08.1989 the participants of the expedition "Lena-89", organized by Kaunas residents, built four monuments to the Lithuanian and Finnish deportees in the delta of the Lena river.
The expedition was organized by the production association “Banga”.
26.07–10.08.1989 the Monuments to the Lithuanian and Finnish deportees were erected in the delta of the Lena river.
Arkties vėjų pagairėje / Rimantas Plėštys. – Iliustr. // Banga. – 1989, birž. 9, p. 2.
Arkties vėjų pagairėje / Rimantas Plėštys. – Iliustr. // Banga. – 1989, birž. 16, p. 2.
Memorial to the captive Finns and Lithuanians. Google Earth. – Prieiga per internetą. URL: https://www.google.com/earth/ [Koordinatės: 72°00’50.42“ – 126°56’49.23“]. – Žiūrėta 2018 m. balandžio 4 d.
Projektas: Pereiti praeitį. 2017. – Prieiga per internetą. URL: https://nanook.lt/zymes_pereiti_praeiti/. – Žiūrėta 2018 m. balandžio 4 d.
Отмороженная в Булунском улусе. – Prieiga per internetą. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0eQ0B2PkWE#t=843.4713175. – Žiūrėta 2018 m. balandžio 4 d.
03.08.1989 the campaign for the return of the Soviet military enlisting documents to Moscow was started.
The activity was initiated by the ‘‘Jaunoji Lietuva’’ (‘‘The Young Lithuania’’) and Lithuanian Liberty League. On the 7th of October the Lithuanian comitee ‘‘Ženeva-49’’ was established. The organization united those who rejected the military passes.
The gathering of the military enlisting documents from the people who declined to be enrolled in the army of the occupants.
A poster which encourages returning the military documents of the Soviet army to Moscow.
The leaders of the ‘‘Jaunoji Lietuva’’ (‘‘The Young Lithuania’’) are returning the military enlisting documents to Moscow at the Kaunas Central Post Office. The first person on the right is S. Buškevičius, the second — D. Rumšas.
The people who declined to enrol the military are about to form the defence committee ‘‘Ženeva 49’’ 1989 10 07, Kaunas.
Kaunas is a free and developing city. Combining its identity with the best traditions of the Provisional Capital, it is open to the contemporary innovations, active and visible in the world. The most important feature of Kaunas is the rich and diverse culture that opens the city for Europe and the world.

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