The project is dedicated to researching and disseminating the architectural legacy of Lithuanian World War II refugees, known as “dipukai” (displaced people), in Chicago. Despite their historical and artistic significance, these architectural works in the USA are neither listed as Lithuanian cultural heritage nor often acknowledged as an integral part of it. The project will conduct an in-depth study of three sites: the Lithuanian Youth Center in Chicago (architects Jonas Kovalskis-Kova, 1957, and Jonas Mulokas, 1968-1974), the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Chicago (architect Jonas Mulokas, with artists Vytautas Kazimieras Jonynas, Vytautas Kašuba, and others, 1957), and the Lithuanian Catholic Press House, home to the editorial office of the newspaper Draugas (architect Jonas Kovalskis-Kova, 1955). These three buildings, located in a lesser-known part of Chicago, stand as perhaps the most prominent expressions of the “dipukai” generation’s architectural efforts to craft a Lithuanian architectural language in exile. The project will create digital replicas of these sites, enabling virtual exploration of this Lithuanian heritage.
Project funding:
This research project is funded by the European Union Funds for the period 2021-2027 and/or the funds of Recovery and Resilience Facility and the State Budget of the Republic of Lithuania
Project results:
The project will create digital twins of three significant architectural works of the Lithuanian diaspora in the USA. It aims to: (a) develop an educational tool that explains the unique architectural features, artists’ intentions, and symbolism encoded in these structures in a way accessible to various public audiences; (b) enhance understanding of the architectural, artistic, and historical value of these structures; and (c) strengthen the connection between this important Lithuanian heritage, the Lithuanian community in exile, and Lithuania.
Period of project implementation: 2024-10-21 - 2026-04-30
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
