Memorial bench for Donatas Banionis

A bright memorial sculpture of theater and film actor Donatas Banionis next to “Grand SPA Lietuva”, on a bench with a book in hand, next to a standing crane, seems to invite all the vacationers of the resort to sit down and rest.

“I was given such a great honor, that people would come from all over the world to see me. Everyone knows me more or less from movies. And today we are sitting here with my deputy”, said D. Banionis with his characteristic sense of humor when unveiling the sculpture in 2010. Its construction was initiated by the honorary citizen of Druskininkai, Bronislovas Lubys, who was a big fan of Banionis’ talent.

Sense of humor – this characteristic of D. Banionis was also remembered by Mindaugas Junčius, the author of the sculpture. Since there is a monument to Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis near this sculpture, Donatas Banionis joked that the sculpture of Arvydas Sabonis is still missing, and “that’s it, all of Lithuania will be here”.

Actor Donatas Banionis had a special connection with Druskininkai, where Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, one of the most prominent Lithuanian artists, lived and worked. in 1975 together with the director Robertas Verba, he made a documentary film about this famous composer and artist. The actor toured a lot and rested at the resort.

Perhaps the most vivid line of the film “I will imagine the world as a big symphony…” are the unique shots in which the sculpture of Vladas Vildžiūnas, dedicated to Čiurlionis, is being transported to Druskininkai. The film can be seen here.