Rekviem – a modern funeral home in Kaunas

In Kaunas, on the banks of the Neris River, at Jonavos g. 41A, is one of Lithuania's most modern and unique funeral homes – Rekviem (in Lithuanian: „Rekviem laidojimo namai Kaune“).

Opened around 2021–2022, this home has quickly become a significant place not only in the city, radically changing perceptions of how a farewell ceremony can be organized and look in a dignified way in modern times.

It is not just a traditional funeral bureau. Everything here is thoughtfully designed – a space has been created where the main focus is on peace, naturalness, and an empathetic approach during the grieving process.

Concept and philosophy

The core of Rekviem is the idea of creating an environment where loved ones can feel close to nature and to themselves, rather than a formal, cold ceremony often dominated by conveyor-belt haste.

The home stands out as one of the first (and still one of the rare) in Lithuania that consciously integrates a natural connection with the surroundings – the wide banks of the Neris River, reeds, proximity to water, greenery, light, and minimalist design visible through huge glass windows facing the river. This helps create silence and calm even in the most difficult moments.

During the farewell ceremony, through the large windows, one can often observe birds, slowly passing deer, foxes, and other animals, as well as the continuous flow of the river. Philosophical reflection on life is certainly complemented by the sunset that opens to the view.

Philosophy: „Leiskite sau gedėti, o mums – padėti,“ which means – allow people to experience grief naturally and without interference, while the professional and invisible-to-guests staff takes on all the organizational burden so that nothing disturbs the farewell. Many visitors and media note that Rekviem has brought significant changes to the farewell ceremony sector in Kaunas – after its opening, other homes began to actively renovate their premises to become more modern and humane.

The prevailing atmosphere here is far from the usual rush and superficiality. The environment itself encourages people to come and, showing respect to both the departed and those remaining, dress as was once customary when going to the theater or other public events. Such a dress code for these occasions could become a natural necessity of behavioral culture.

The Rekviem team definitely encourages thinking about this.

Unique farewell halls – The Rekviem funeral home in Kaunas has five main farewell halls (in Lithuanian – šarvojimo salės), each with its own special name and atmosphere.

Here is the list with the original Lithuanian name and translation into English (based on the official website and descriptions):

• Šarvojimo salė „Angelų salė“ – Angels' Hall
  (Cozy, warm space for up to 50 people)

• Ramybės Šarvojimo Salė – Peace Hall
  (Bright, up to 50 people, with a view of the river, separate exit to the riverbank)

• Šarvojimo salė „Šviesos salė“ – Light Hall
  (Up to 30 people, with large windows and a view of the river and nature)

• Šarvojimo salė „Žvaigždynų salė“ – Constellation Hall (or Starry Hall)

• Šarvojimo salė „Rekviem“ – Rekviem Hall
  (The largest and central one – modern, spacious up to 100 people, with a separate exit to the riverbank, a small rest area with kitchen elements; suitable for larger groups.)

These halls are thematically designed, with soft flooring to ensure a quiet intimate atmosphere, creating peace, a sense of connection with nature (4 halls have a view of the Neris River) – greenery, architectural minimalism, location by the river, interior elements (plants, wooden details, light tones) that create the feeling of being closer to nature and symbolize the cyclical continuity of life.

Modern and empathetic approach – there is the possibility to personalize the ceremony: music, video screen, special floral arrangements, intimate or broader farewell events, subdued music.

There is no imposition of strict traditions – everything is adapted to the family's wishes.

24/7 support and quick response – the short number 19 2 11 in Lithuania ensures immediate assistance at any time of day or night.

Catholic traditions – farewell over several days

In Lithuania, Catholic church traditions dominate and are deeply respected. According to them, farewell to the departed can take a longer period, namely:

• The first day after death – preparation of the deceased and first farewell at home or in the chapel.

• The second/third day – šarvojimas (already in the coffin) in the church or funeral home, often with the rosary, mass, and prayers.

• The third day – funeral with burial in the cemetery or cremation.

Rekviem definitely supports the observance of such traditions, but it is not strictly tied to Catholic rituals, offering both religious and modern secular ceremonies.

The šarvojimo halls can be rented for several days (even several nights if needed).

There is the possibility to keep the coffin (or urn) longer, organize a mass, prayers, or rosary.

The staff helps coordinate with a priest if required.

However, Rekviem's main strength is flexibility – you can choose a short (15–30 min) farewell or a full multi-day cycle, depending on the wishes of the family or relatives.

There is no mandatory "silence" requirement – music, videos, speeches, etc., can be adapted.

Offered services

Rekviem provides a full cycle of professional funeral services:

• Full organization of the farewell ceremony (from the first call to the last moment);

• Rental of šarvojimo (farewell) halls of various sizes – from intimate to large;

• Cremation services (with dignity and privacy);

• Special transport (body of the deceased from home, hospital, abroad);

• Document processing and all necessary formalities;

• Creation and delivery of flowers, wreaths, decorations;

• Personalized ceremony elements: music, video presentations, special readings;

• Support for funeral dinners or memorial events (if needed);

• Assistance in international cases (transport to or from abroad).

Rekviem has become a place where the moment of farewell turns not only into a duty but into a beautiful, personal memory. It is a modern, human, and nature-close solution for those who want to say goodbye with dignity and peace.

Contacts:

Rekviem in Kaunas (officially Rekviem LT, UAB, company code 304910332) is owned and managed by the company group AB „K2 LT“. This group is the largest provider of cremation services in Lithuania – they operate Lietuvos krematoriumas (the only crematorium in Lithuania, in Kėdainiai) since 2011.

Rekviem in Kaunas was opened in February 2021 as the first modern funeral home under the „Rekviem“ brand, investments ~1.5 million euros.

The company is not affiliated with the church or any religious organization – it is a private commercial project focused on a tolerant, modern empathetic approach, emphasizing naturalness and connection with nature.

Director (and often public representative) – Bernardas Vilkelis.

Address: Jonavos g. 41A, Kaunas, Lithuania

Phone: +370 633 97799 or short 19 2 11

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://kaunas.rekviem.lt/

There is convenient free parking at the funeral home.