Some of the artworks that make up Kaunas’ renowned Courtyard Gallery could disappear under a new layer of plaster and paint as renovation work begins on the building that houses them.
The gallery, located on Ožeškienės Street in central Kaunas, was launched 14 years ago by artist Vytenis Jakas. Its murals tell the story of the Jewish community that lived in the courtyard before World War Two.
Scaffolding now surrounds one of the gallery’s walls as preparations begin to renovate the building. Under the current plan, the murals will be covered.
“This is a heritage site that cannot be destroyed. This would be outright vandalism,” Jakas said.
The dispute escalated even before renovation work began. Police are investigating possible vandalism after witnesses reported seeing a resident of the building damaging the artworks with a hammer.
