Sculpture "Tower" (Bokštas)

The Bronze "Tower" of Klaipėda: A House Where Centuries Dwell

In the heart of Klaipėda’s Old Town, within a cozy square between Pasiuntinių and Kepėjų streets, stands one of the city's most evocative landmarks – the bronze sculpture "Tower" (Bokštas) by sculptor Algirdas Bosas.

During World War II, a residential building that once occupied this site burned to the ground, leaving an empty space in the historic quarter. Initial plans to install a fountain fell through, prompting local authorities to hold an artistic contest to fill the void. Sculptor Algirdas Bosas won the competition with his unique vision, and the monumental bronze structure was erected in 1990. Interestingly, the masterpiece was cast from non-patina bronze, meaning the sculptor intentionally left its shifting colors and aging process to be crafted by time itself.

The "Tower" acts as a symbolic bridge connecting the past and current life of Klaipėda. The four-sided monument is shaped like a house where different historical epochs "live" together. Each wall represents a distinct century, intricately reflecting the daily chores, joys, local traditions, and changing architectural styles of the townspeople. Bosas expanded this narrative by incorporating names and dates meaningful to his own life, using a poignant line by poet Jurgis Baltrušaitis as an epitaph: "How often on the wings of joy sadness visits us". It is a must-see stop for anyone wishing to touch the historical pulse of Klaipėda.