Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Draught Alley: A Passageway to Art
Jonas Mekas Draught Alley is a narrow passageway, serving as a connection between the artistic Užupis district and the Vilnelė River. As the name suggests, artistic winds blow here.
There’s a small angel guarding the entrance to the alley. Just like a bigger Angel of Užupis, it is blowing a trumpet announcing the news about the revival of the Užupis district and the freedom of creativity.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The path dates back to the middle of the 18th century. The inhabitants of Vilnius have always considered a place to have a special aura, where creative drive and artistic self-expression intertwine.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The alley was given its name in honor of Jonas Mekas, and this choice was made deliberately and with significant intention.
It commemorates Jonas Mekas' merits as the Lithuanian American godfather of American avant-garde cinema connected to the Fluxus movement.
Jonas Mekas (1995) by Jonas MekasSerpentine
Jonas Mekas: A Symbol of Artistic Freedom
Jonas Mekas was not only respected for his artistic contributions but also admired for his role as a cultural icon and a symbol of artistic freedom and expression. It’s only natural that the alley in his name has become a platform for such freedom of expression.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The passageway was first called Jonas Mekas Draught Alley in 2010. For a long time it was a narrow alley decorated by street artists from all over the world. Later it was temporary closed down for reconstruction.
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The alley reopened in 2023. It took three years to create the Jonas Mekas Draught Alley that’s open today. Everybody feels welcome here as the place has become an amalgam of cultures and a site of serenity.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
The Draught Alley conveys the spirit of Fluxus, a fascinating and unconventional artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s. A creative tornado of experimental ideas and activities is bursting in the alley symbolizing the movement.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Jonas Mekas Draught Alley is simultaneously hidden from the passersby and in the spotlight. Cross the Vilnelė river over the Fluxus Bridge, the only covered pedestrian bridge in Lithuania, which is dedicated to Jurgis George Mačiūnas, and climb the stairs.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Užupis has always been home to artistic souls. Poet Jurgis Laskarys and painter Ferdinandas Ruščicas lived and worked here, while Jonas Mekas held the district close to his heart on his visits to Vilnius.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Those who enter the alley are captured and accompanied by the bohemian spirit.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
It’s a perfect background for unique photos and an ultimate place for inspiration.
Entering Jonas Mekas Draught Alley is like entering a collaborative creative space where every wall has a story to tell.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
To soak up the artistic spirit, spend more time sitting down in one of the cafes or visiting art galleries. There are a bunch of creative spaces, gourmet places, and bohemian shops to look around.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
ARTery: Where Art Meets History
ARTery, the art gallery of street installations, is constantly introducing new art pieces to Jonas Mekas Draught Alley. It’s searching for the relationship of natural and historical memory between places and people.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Exhibitions and art installations keep changing, but their presence is a constant. Visitors of the alley are drawn in by the artistic movement serving as inspiration and a tribute to the artists who have been walking the streets of Užupis for centuries.
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Immerse yourself in a 360° view of one of the artistic spots in Jonas Mekas Draught Alley. Experience the unique atmosphere of this artistic haven.
Jonas Mekas Draught AlleyVilnius, Unexpectedly Amazing
Enter Jonas Mekas Draught Alley with an open mind and you might find yourself sucked into a performance or one of the many events by art galleries and shops.
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