Attraction Guide: Grutas Park, Druskininkai, Lithuania

Grutas Park Guide

Grutas Park: A Controversial Journey Through Soviet History Guide

Grutas Park, also known as Stalin World, offers a unique and thought-provoking experience for tourists visiting Druskininkai. It's a sculpture garden showcasing Soviet-era monuments that were removed from public spaces after Lithuania regained its independence. The park aims to provide a historical perspective on the Soviet period, allowing visitors to reflect on the impact of totalitarian regimes. It's a place that sparks conversation and encourages critical thinking about the past. The park was established in 2001 by Viliumas Malinauskas, a Lithuanian entrepreneur. After Lithuania declared independence in 1990, many Soviet-era statues were removed from public squares and streets. Malinauskas saw an opportunity to preserve these monuments and create a space for historical reflection. He argued that destroying the statues would be akin to erasing history, and that they should be preserved as a reminder of the past. The park has been both praised and criticized, with some seeing it as a valuable historical resource and others viewing it as glorifying a painful period in Lithuanian history. Visitors to Grutas Park can wander through the sculpture garden, observing statues of Lenin, Stalin, and other prominent Soviet figures. The park also features a small zoo, a playground, and a cafe serving Soviet-era cuisine. You can try dishes like "Soviet" sandwiches or "Red Army" soup, offering a taste of the culinary traditions of the time. The park also offers guided tours that provide historical context and insights into the significance of the monuments. It's an immersive experience that combines history, art, and a touch of dark humor.