The “Wall of Šilutė” is the result of a community project that brought the town’s people together. It was initiated by the SBA Group and its company “Šilutės baldai”. To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the furniture factory and the 505th anniversary of Šilutė, it was decided to create the longest chronicle in collaboration with the local community – a 500-meter-long wall capturing the town’s most important historical events and notable regional figures.
Over 500 square meters of wall, surrounding the “Šilutės baldai” factory, were painted by young artists from Šilutė Art School. Their illustrations tell the story of the town and reflect the unique identity of the Lithuania Minor region. The wall consists of 85 segments and features moments such as the great flood, the port of Šilutė, its famous markets, the Treaty of Melno, depictions of the old post office, the gas factory, and a haunting reference to 1944 when only 7 original residents remained in Šilutė. It also honors the Šilutės baldai factory – one of the oldest companies in the municipality and the largest employer.
Prominent regional figures such as Hermann Sudermann, Hugo Scheu, Vydūnas, and Petras Jakštas are also featured, alongside Jurgis Talaitis – the founder of Šilokarčema settlement. Events such as the independence movement, emigration, French occupation, and wartime history are all included.
The wall is visually striking – mostly black, white, and grey, with bold color accents and fun modern touches: a lamp, flowers, furniture elements, and subtle humor. For example, French soldiers are drawn holding baguettes instead of weapons, and a humorous sign reads “We’re no longer peasants”, marking the moment Šilutė received city rights on September 27, 1941.
In 2016, “The Wall of Šilutė” was recognized as the “Regional Initiative of the Year” for uniting the community and celebrating the area’s cultural heritage.