Grutas Park, Lithuania
December 2017
"I wanted a place that combines the charms of Disneyland with the worst of the Soviet gulag." I'm not sure Grutas Park achieved what Viliumas Malinauskas wished for it, nor am I sure that its possible, or something anyone should want. This quiet forest has been filled with all the statues the Lithuanians tore down after the fall of the Soviet Union. They wanted to remember their history, but they didn't want to celebrate it by keeping the statues in their cities. In true 21st century style, this park also has more fun names like "Stalin World" and "Lenin Land." It's a rather bizarre experience; a contemplative walk through the woods followed by a trip to the gift shop, where I bought a shot glass with a picture of Lenin with a mohawk.
Read More"I wanted a place that combines the charms of Disneyland with the worst of the Soviet gulag." I'm not sure Grutas Park achieved what Viliumas Malinauskas wished for it, nor am I sure that its possible, or something anyone should want. This quiet forest has been filled with all the statues the Lithuanians tore down after the fall of the Soviet Union. They wanted to remember their history, but they didn't want to celebrate it by keeping the statues in their cities. In true 21st century style, this park also has more fun names like "Stalin World" and "Lenin Land." It's a rather bizarre experience; a contemplative walk through the woods followed by a trip to the gift shop, where I bought a shot glass with a picture of Lenin with a mohawk.
