Vytautas Kernagis was affectionately known as the 'Maestro' of the Lithuanian stage and is considered the father of the Lithuanian national song contest.
The sculptor Romualdas Kvintas chose a bench pose to symbolize Kernagis’s approachability and informal performance style.
The statue is located near the site where Kernagis frequently spent his summers, deeply integrated into the local Nida community.
The sculpture is often referred to by locals as the 'singing bench' due to its interactive nature.
The artist’s family participated in the selection and unveiling process of the memorial.
The bronze sculpture 'In Memory of Vytautas Kernagis' is a life-sized monument dedicated to the legendary Lithuanian singer, actor, and songwriter, located in the resort town of Nida. Unveiled in 2009, the statue depicts Kernagis sitting on a bench with his guitar, inviting visitors to sit beside him. The memorial was created by sculptor Romualdas Kvintas to honor the artist's deep personal connection to the Curonian Spit. The sculpture is a popular public landmark situated along the town's promenade. It commemorates Kernagis's role as a pioneer of the Lithuanian 'singing poetry' genre. The bronze figure is cast to interact with the environment, allowing for tactile engagement. It serves as a focal point for fans of Lithuanian cultural history visiting Neringa.
From the side, capturing both the profile of the sculpture and the background of the Curonian Lagoon.
Sit on the bench next to the bronze statue for a classic commemorative photo.
Visit during the early morning to avoid crowds and get a clear view of the sculpture without other tourists in the background.
Read the inscription on the nearby plaques to understand the cultural significance of Kernagis to the Nida region.
Do not mistake it for a generic park bench; be aware it is a significant cultural monument.
Respect the sculpture as a public memorial; do not climb on the figure or use it as a jungle gym.
