about us
Skersvėjas is like a dynamic, contemporary creator, always in search of something unconventional, bold, and fitting for his discerning taste, restless soul, and ever-changing style.
Pačioje Lietuvos sostinės Vilniaus širdyje, spalvingiausiame jos rajone - Užupyje, dar vadinamame Vilniaus Monmartru, kurį juosia Vilnelė, o kiekvieną atvykstantį pasitinka trimituojantis Angelas, atrasite istorinę vietą. Vietą, kurios viename iš namų gyveno ir kūrė dailininkas Ferdinandas Ruščicas ir Bizantijos imperatorių palikuonys Lascariai.
The newly revived historic quarter, centered around the path named after avant-garde filmmaker Jonas Mekas, offers a unique space for art and culture. Here, you will find art galleries, cozy boutiques, a restaurant, exclusive products, cultural events, and the unforgettable artistic aura of the most artistic district of Vilnius.
manifest
- In Skersvėjas, the wind has the right to blow from all directions. Inside Skersvėjis, it is as calm as in the bosom of God.
- Everyone who has reached Skersvėjis is a traveler. Those who return are fellow travelers.
- In Skersvėjis, everyone is allowed to lift their head and look at the sky. When you lift your head to the sky, you're allowed to lose yourself and stay longer. And when you stay longer, there is always a chance to linger and join.
- In Skersvėjis, every fellow traveler can pet a cat, and every cat has the right to turn its back. Regardless, the traveler’s clothes, hair, or thoughts may rise and freely flutter in the wind.
Jonas Mekas
The godfather of American avant-garde cinema, poet, writer, thinker, a simple country boy from Lithuania, open to the whole world.
When Jonas Mekas learned that a passage was to be named after him, he said: "A passage? Why a passage? Let it be called Skersvėjis (Crosswind)."
And so, another legend was born.
history
Mid-XVIII century
The first historical sources
In historical sources
A small manor is mentioned as belonging to the Levakovskis and Balkevičiai families.
XIX century
Orthodox seminary
The possession belonged to the Orthodox seminary.
1863
Brick house
On the plot stood a one-story house, composed of three brick sections and one wooden section.
1885
Polozov's project
Another one-story brick building was constructed according to architect Polozov's project.
Beginning of XX century
Count Zabiela
The plot was the property of the Zabielos noble family.
1907
Laskaris
The property passed to the descendants of the Byzantine emperors, the Laskaris family.
1908 - 1915
Ferdynand Ruszczyc
A well-known painter, graphic artist, set designer, and the founder of the Department of Art at Vilnius University, Ferdynand Ruszczyc (1870–1936), lived here with his family.
1913
"The golden Room"
Ferdynand painted one of his most famous works, 'The Golden Room,' in his apartment.
1941
Confiscated
The house is confiscated by the Soviet authorities.
1946
Pedestrian path
After the war, a kindergarten was established in these buildings, and later a state archive. A pedestrian path was formed across the plot, leading from Užupio Street to the Vilnelė River.
2010
The path was named the 'Jono Meko Skersvėjis'
In New York, Jonas Mekas, together with the then Mayor of Vilnius, Artūras Zuokas, who was visiting at the time, developed the idea of naming this Užupis pedestrian path—a shortcut—after Jonas Mekas. Upon hearing the word 'shortcut,' Jonas Mekas said, 'Shortcut? Why shortcut? Let it be Crosswind (Skersvėjis)
2016
Purchase of the plot
The plot with buildings in a dilapidated condition is purchased.
2019
Reconstruction begins
Reconstruction begins
2022.12.01
Jono Meko Skersvėjis Grand Opening
The "Skersvėjis" project is opened
