stalin's world in Druskininkai, LT

Feels like spring has already arrived to Lithuania. I know that it’s only been a few sunny days when thermometer was above zero, but let the spring vibe is legit! Since I’ve just bought a new car and roadtrip in this case is necessary, I packed one of my dear friends (who came from London to stay here for a few weeks) and went on the road to explore southern region in Lithuania.

I would like to introduce you all with this awesome place named Grutas Park (aka Stalin’s World). What makes it so special and unique is that there are sculptures of XX century’s USSR dictators everywhere. After Lithuania got its independence in 1990, various Soviet statues were thrown away in different places. Following this, a local mushroom Magnate V. Malinauskas requested authorities to grant him a possession of the sculptures, what led him to opening a museum under the sky with bunch of Lenins, Stalins, Marxs, Engels and other soviet ideologists. 

Its existence is still controversial – there are some ideas in the park that initially were never allowed, for instance, transporting the visitors in a Gulag-style train.

Park also possesses various animals and birds trapped in the cages and wanting to escape – that’s the saddest part of everything we so there.

My friend Lina said visiting this park was one of the main reasons why she came back to Lithuania :D we were so excited stepping back to the history roads and taking pictures with literally every single Lenin we saw. It’s definitely worth a trip no matter where are you located!