The non-governmental organization VšĮ „Raudonos plytos“ has nominated the Klaipėda Central Post Office building complex for the international cultural heritage preservation program „7 Most Endangered 2027“. While the initiative received official support from five institutions and organizations, the Culture Infrastructure Center (KIC), which manages the complex, did not approve the nomination, and the Ministry of Culture later withdrew its initial letter of support.
Klaipėda Post Restoration Works Not Started, Funding Unsecured
The red brick Klaipėda Central Post Office, built in 1893, is a national cultural monument that has been unused for seven years, since 2019. Although emergency hazard removal works have been carried out and further restoration is being prepared, the essential restoration has not begun, and its funding is not secured.
„Klaipėda Post is one of the most distinctive architectural monuments in the city. We understand that design and preparation processes are underway, but they do not guarantee the start of restoration works on their own, so we are looking for additional international opportunities that could help preserve this object,“ says Edita Valinčienė, founder and head of VšĮ „Raudonos plytos“.
International Expert Assistance – From Condition Assessment to Funding Search
The „7 Most Endangered“ program, implemented since 2013, is carried out by „Europa Nostra“, Europe’s largest civil society network for cultural heritage, together with the European Investment Bank Institute. Over this period, 77 sites from 35 countries have been included in the program’s lists.
For selected sites, international heritage, architecture, and finance experts assess threats, analyze restoration possibilities, consult with owners and institutions, and prepare recommendations for preservation, adaptation, and funding. The program does not directly fund all restoration works but helps to gather partners and seek solutions.
One example is the Szombierki Power Plant in Bytom, Poland, included in the program in 2020. The nomination of this endangered monumental red brick complex was also initiated by a non-governmental organization. Later, renovation and adaptation works for new functions were planned for the complex, although these cannot be directly attributed solely to the program’s impact.
Five Institutions Supported, Ministry Withdrew Letter
In preparing the nomination, VšĮ „Raudonos plytos“ approached eight institutions and organizations. Official letters of support were provided by the European Humanities University (Rector Dr. Vilius Šadauskas), Klaipėda City Municipality (Mayor Arvydas Vaitkus), Klaipėda University Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology (Director Prof. Dr. Vasilijus Safronovas), the Klaipėda County Organization of the Lithuanian Union of Architects (Chairman Mantas Daukšys), and Klaipėda Concert Hall (Director Tadas Grabys).
The Ministry of Culture initially officially supported the nomination but withdrew the letter a few days later. Deputy Minister Tomas Juočys informed the organization that the decision was made after internal ministry consultations.
According to KIC director Šarūnas Šoblinskas, the nomination is not expedient because specific measures for the complex’s preservation have already been planned and are being implemented. The State Cultural Heritage Commission explained that it does not provide individual letters of support.
„Our goal is not to find fault. If we all agree that Klaipėda Post is a cultural monument of exceptional importance, and its restoration funding is not secured, why shouldn’t we take the opportunity to receive additional international expert assistance?“ asks E. Valinčienė.
The selection results will be announced at the beginning of 2027. The independent nomination was prepared by VšĮ „Raudonos plytos“ on a voluntary basis. The organization organizes exhibitions, excursions, conferences, and historical discussions dedicated to the heritage of the Klaipėda region, and collaborates with scientists and cultural heritage specialists.
