Cities
Lithuania Vilnius Vilnius Theatre

Vilnius Puppet Theatre

Vilnius Puppet Theatre
About

Vilnius Puppet Theatre, known today as “Lėlė,” is one of Lithuania’s oldest and most celebrated puppet theatres, located in the historic Oginsky Palace in Vilnius Old Town. Founded in 1958 by puppeteer Balys Lukošius, the theatre became a hub of artistic innovation under the leadership of Vitalijus Mazuras, whose avant-garde productions helped revolutionise East European puppet theatre in the 1970s and 1980s. The venue features two performance spaces: the Baroque-style Great Hall, seating around 220, and the more intimate Small Hall in the Gothic basement, ideal for younger audiences. “Lėlė” stages a wide repertoire, from classic fairy tales like “Pinocchio” and “Thumbelina” to contemporary works and puppet plays for adults. Its productions often feature original music by renowned Lithuanian composers and texts by celebrated poets. The theatre also houses a creative workshop and a Live Puppet Museum, and it regularly tours internationally. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Vilnius Puppet Theatre remains a cornerstone of Lithuania’s performing arts scene, blending tradition with experimentation in a uniquely enchanting setting.

Vilnius Lithuania
Location

Vilnius Puppet Theatre, known as Lėlė Puppet Theatre, is located at Arklių g. 5 in the Old Town of Vilnius, housed in the historic former residence of Duke Oginsky. Established in 1977, the theatre features two distinctive halls: the Baroque-style Great Hall, seating about 220 spectators, and the Small Hall in the Gothic basement, accommodating around 50 guests. Lėlė Puppet Theatre is celebrated for its imaginative puppet performances for children and adults, drawing on Lithuanian folklore and international tales, and has a rich tradition of participation in international festivals. The venue also hosts workshops and cultural events, making it a welcoming destination for families and art lovers. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the theatre is just a short walk from Town Hall Square, Pilies Street, and Vilnius University, with numerous cafés, shops, and historic landmarks nearby, ensuring visitors can easily combine a theatre visit with further exploration of Vilnius’s vibrant cultural and historical center.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania Vilnius National Museum of Lithuania National Museum of Lithuania Vilnius Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights Vilnius MO Museum MO Museum Vilnius Vilnil Museum of Illusions Vilnil Museum of Illusions Vilnius Toy Museum Toy Museum Vilnius Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania Money Museum of the Bank of Lithuania Vilnius Contemporary Art Centre Contemporary Art Centre Vilnius Vilnius Picture Gallery Vilnius Picture Gallery Vilnius TSEKH Gallery TSEKH Gallery Vilnius Lithuanian National Drama Theatre Lithuanian National Drama Theatre Vilnius Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Vilnius Gediminas Castle Tower Gediminas Castle Tower Vilnius Verkiai Palace Verkiai Palace Vilnius Bernardine Garden Bernardine Garden Vilnius Vingis Park Vingis Park Vilnius Vilnius Botanical Garden Vilnius Botanical Garden Vilnius Sapiegos Park Sapiegos Park Vilnius Hill of Three Crosses Hill of Three Crosses Vilnius TV Tower Vilnius TV Tower Vilnius Vilnius St. John's Church Bell Tower St. John's Church Bell Tower Vilnius Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower Vilnius Church of St. Anne Church of St. Anne Vilnius Gates of Dawn Gates of Dawn Vilnius Presidential Palace Presidential Palace Vilnius Rotušės aikštė Rotušės aikštė Vilnius Hales Market Hales Market Vilnius Uzupis Republic Uzupis Republic Vilnius Literatų Street Literatų Street Vilnius Subačiaus Viewpoint Subačiaus Viewpoint Vilnius Pavilniai Regional Park Pavilniai Regional Park Vilnius

User attributes