Kupeta Exhibition Pavilion

At the beginning of Dariaus and S. Girėno streets, surrounded by greenery, stands a wooden exhibition pavilion built in 1968, which houses a music club in the summer and hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The 1970s and 1980s are considered the golden age of the pavilion. The most famous artists of the time spent their summers nearby, and their exhibitions and gatherings were held at Kupeta. One of the most notable events of that time was the visit of Danish cartoonist Herluf Bidstrup and an exhibition of his works. The rectangular building with an inner courtyard was designed by the legendary chief architect of Palanga, Albinas Čepys. He was famous not only for his talent but also for his principled nature. It is said that A. Čepys did not allow the resort to be spoiled by buildings that did not fit in with the surroundings. He was prepared to sacrifice his position at any time rather than agree to sign a permit to build a building that would spoil Palanga. As many as 22 buildings were constructed in Palanga according to his designs, but unfortunately only two of them – the summer reading room and Kupeta – have retained their original appearance. His architecture is indirectly reminiscent of traditional houses typical of western Lithuania with half-timbered walls (wooden wall supports visible from the outside, characteristic of German buildings), while floor-to-ceiling windows add modernity and transparency.